Turkey Crepes (Savory Nalesniki)

This Turkey Crepes (Savory Nalesniki) recipe is a perfect way to use up leftover turkey in a creative and delicious way. Made with a light crepe batter, filled with a savory turkey and vegetable mixture, these crepes are a great option for lunch, dinner, or even a special holiday meal. The savory filling with mushrooms, onions, and carrots pairs beautifully with the soft, golden crepes, offering a balance of flavors. Easy to make and customizable, this recipe is ideal for family meals and can be served with a side of sour cream or your favorite sauce.

Ingredients

Crepes Batter:

• ½ cup lukewarm water
• 1 cup milk
• 4 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (more for sautéing)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or use ½ cup whole wheat flour and ½ cup all-purpose)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Filling:

• ½ lb leftover turkey (dark and/or white meat)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ lb mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely grated (or 4 small ones from the garden)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Making the Crepes:

1. In a blender, combine the crepe batter ingredients in the order listed. Blend until smooth and well combined.
2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt a small dot of butter. You can also use a second skillet to speed up the process.
3. Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of batter into the skillet, depending on the size of your skillet. Swirl the pan to evenly coat the bottom with the batter.
4. Once the edges of the crepe begin to set and the underside is lightly golden, flip the crepe using a thin-edged spatula (this should take less than a minute).
5. Continue cooking until the other side is lightly golden. Cool the crepes on a cutting board and stack them once slightly cooled.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms, grated carrot, and chopped onion. Sauté for 7-10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and golden. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Grind the leftover turkey with a meat grinder using the large hole attachment, then mix with the cooked vegetables. If the mixture feels too dry, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of water to help bind it.
4. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture on each crepe and spread it evenly to the edges. Roll up the crepe into a log or fold it into a triangle, as you prefer.

Serving:

Serve your Turkey Crepes with a generous dollop of sour cream on the side for added creaminess.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Perfect for Leftovers: A great way to use up leftover turkey in a new and exciting way!
• Family-Friendly: Even kids will love these savory crepes, making them perfect for family meals.
• Versatile: The crepes can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them customizable to your preferences.

Tips:

• Even Crepes: For uniform crepes, use a measuring cup or ladle to pour the batter into the skillet.
• Prevent Sticking: If your skillet is non-stick, you won’t need to add butter between crepes after the first one.
• Grind the Meat: Using a meat grinder will make it easier to mix the turkey with the vegetables. A food processor can also work, but the texture may be different.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the turkey with cooked lentils or beans for a meatless filling.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
• Spicy Twist: Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the filling to give it a spicy kick.

FAQs:

Can I make the crepes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the crepes in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then reheat them when ready to assemble.

Can I freeze the Turkey Crepes?
Absolutely! Assemble and wrap them individually before freezing. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or until heated through.

What if I don’t have a meat grinder?
You can use a food processor or finely chop the turkey with a knife for a different texture.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the crepes.
• Pair with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• For a festive touch, top the crepes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of gravy.

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