Ficelle Picarde with a Somali Twist

Ingredients

In this Somali adaptation of Ficelle Picarde, we replace the traditional ham and mushrooms with a spiced ground beef filling, infused with Somali flavors. The original French dish is known for its creamy sauce, but in this version, we focus on the bold flavors of Somali spices to create a unique and delicious twist. We alse have the original recipe for Ficelle Picarde, so you can check it out.

• For the crepes: For the crepes:
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For the topping: For the topping:
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated cheese (such as Gouda or Cheddar) 1/2 cup (50g) grated cheese (such as Gouda or Cheddar)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 480 kcal / 2010 KJ
• Fat: 32g (Saturated Fat: 16g)
• Carbohydrates: 23g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. 3.
   Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cardamom, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. 5.
   Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Pour a ladleful of the crepe batter into the skillet and swirl it around to evenly coat the bottom. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift and the bottom is lightly golden. Flip the crepe and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Repeat with the remaining batter.
6. 6.
   Place a spoonful of the ground beef filling onto each crepe and roll it up. Arrange the stuffed crepes in a baking dish.
7. 7.
   In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until warm. Pour the warm cream over the stuffed crepes in the baking dish. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground chicken or turkey if desired.
• Somali spices — Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Feel free to add more or less of the suggested spices to suit your taste.
• Crepes — Make sure the batter is smooth and lump-free for perfectly cooked crepes. Resting the batter allows the gluten to relax, resulting in tender crepes.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the ground beef mixture.
• For a creamier texture, you can mix some grated cheese into the ground beef filling before stuffing the crepes.
• Serve the stuffed crepes with a side of Somali tomato chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftover stuffed crepes can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for the topping, such as mozzarella or feta, to add your own twist to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Savory Somali Stuffed Crepes as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. The creamy filling and crispy crepes make for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed crepes on a platter, drizzle some of the creamy sauce over the top, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for an elegant presentation. The golden-brown color of the crepes and the melted cheese will make the dish visually appealing.