Crespolini with a West African Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Italian crepes are replaced with plantain pancakes, which adds a unique sweetness and texture to the dish. The filling is also modified to incorporate Ivorian flavors and spices, giving it a distinct West African twist. We alse have the original recipe for Crespolini, so you can check it out.

• 2 ripe plantains, mashed 2 ripe plantains, mashed
• 1 cup (240ml) all-purpose flour 1 cup (240ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground chili powder 1 teaspoon ground chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 58g, 18g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the mashed plantains, flour, milk, eggs, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
2. 2.
   Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and brush with vegetable oil. Pour a ladleful of the plantain batter onto the skillet and spread it evenly to form a thin pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.
3. 3.
   In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes, chili powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Place a spoonful of the vegetable filling onto each plantain pancake and fold it over to form a crescent shape.
6. 6.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Use ripe plantains for a sweeter flavor and softer texture in the pancakes.
• Bell peppers — Choose vibrant and firm bell peppers for a colorful and crunchy filling.
• Ginger — Grate fresh ginger for a more intense and aromatic flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier filling, add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Serve with a side of Ivorian tomato and onion sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with different vegetable fillings, such as spinach or eggplant, to create your own variations.
• Make the plantain pancakes in advance and reheat them in the oven before serving to save time.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the filled crespolini for a tangy twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Crespolini with a West African Twist as a main course for lunch or dinner. Accompany it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the filled crespolini on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. The vibrant colors of the plantain pancakes and the spiced vegetable filling will create an eye-catching presentation.