Boiling water: The secret to perfect, elastic crepes every time
Crepes are a universally loved dish, whether they are sweet or savory. However, achieving the perfect texture—elasticity and softness—can be a challenge. There is one simple substitution that can ensure the ideal texture every time. I'll explain the details below.
6:32 PM EDT, July 21, 2024
Traditionally, milk is added to the crepe batter, but did you know you can replace it with boiling water for even better results? How can using boiling water for crepes change entirely their texture and taste?
Why add boiling water to crepes?
Adding boiling water to crepe batter has several advantages. First and foremost, boiling water makes the batter more elastic, making it easier to fry thin and delicate pancakes. This way, the crepes don't break and are easier to roll or fold. Additionally, boiling water speeds up the mixing process, yielding a smooth and uniform batter without lumps.
How to prepare boiling water crepes
Preparing crepes with boiling water is simple and quick. The ingredients should be modified depending on whether you use sweet or savory filling. Savory crepes do not need extra sugar in the batter. Similarly, with cooking oil, if you have a suitable pan on which you can fry "dry," you don't need to oil the surface additionally. Here is a step-by-step recipe for boiling water crepes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1.25 cups of boiling water
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Vegetable oil for frying (optional)
- Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar (if using). Add eggs and mix thoroughly until a thick batter forms. Gradually pour in the boiling water, stirring constantly to combine the ingredients well. The boiling water will make the batter smooth and uniform. Add vegetable oil and mix the batter again.
- Frying the crepes: Heat a pan with a bit of oil over medium heat. Pour a small amount of batter on the pan, spreading it evenly to form a thin crepe. Fry the pancakes for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are lightly golden. Repeat until you use all the batter, adding oil to the pan if necessary.
- Serving: You can serve the crepes sweet with your favorite toppings, such as jam, fruits, whipped cream, or chocolate. Savory crepes taste great with cheese filling, spinach, mushrooms, or meat.
