Ficelle Picarde with a Twist

Ingredients

• For the pancake: For the pancake:
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 4 slices of ham 4 slices of ham
• 1 cup (150g) mushrooms, sliced 1 cup (150g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup (75g) spinach, chopped 1/2 cup (75g) spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup (30g) bell peppers, diced 1/4 cup (30g) bell peppers, diced
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Gruyere cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Gruyere cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 26g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 5g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and brush it with vegetable oil. Pour a ladleful of batter into the skillet, swirling it around to create a thin pancake. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges start to brown, then flip and cook for another minute. Repeat with the remaining batter to make 4 pancakes.
3. 3.
   In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and any excess moisture has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper.
4. 4.
   Place a slice of ham on each pancake, followed by a spoonful of the sautéed vegetable mixture. Roll up the pancake and place it in a baking dish.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Pour the heavy cream over the rolled pancakes and sprinkle them with grated Gruyere cheese.
7. 7.
   Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
8. 8.
   Serve the Ficelle Picarde warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Make sure to clean the mushrooms thoroughly and slice them evenly for even cooking.
• Gruyere cheese — Opt for a high-quality Gruyere cheese for its distinct nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the pancake batter in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Emmental or Comté, for a unique flavor profile.
• Serve the Ficelle Picarde with a side of fresh salad greens for a refreshing contrast.

Serving advice

Serve the Ficelle Picarde as a main course accompanied by a side salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a delightful brunch option.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Ficelle Picarde on a plate, drizzle some cream over the top, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for an elegant presentation.