Hearty Leek and Lentil Crepe Cake
Dive into the layers of this Hearty Leek and Lentil Crepe Cake for a flavorful experience that's perfect for a special occasion or an impressive vegetarian dinner. This dish combines delicate crepes with a rich blend of leeks, fennel, and red lentils, smothered in a tomato and wine sauce, complemented by a creamy spinach and mushroom layer. This recipe, adapted from Roz Denny's 'The Ultimate Vegetarian Cookbook,' is a true labor of love. Rest assured, the time and effort invested in preparing this dish will result in a fantastic meal that can easily be made ahead, frozen, and enjoyed at your convenience.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain flour
1 cup
salt
1 pinch
egg
1
buttermilk
1 1/4 cups (or substitute with a mix of milk and water)
oil
as needed (for cooking)
leeks
2 (thinly sliced)
fennel bulb
1 small (thinly sliced)
olive oil
4 tablespoons
red lentils
3/4 cup
dry white wine
2/3 cup
chopped tomatoes
14 ounces (canned)
vegetable stock
1 1/4 cups (for vegetarian option)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon
salt
to taste
fresh ground pepper
to taste
onion
1 (sliced)
mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
frozen leaf spinach
8 ounces (thawed and squeezed dry)
low-fat cream cheese
7 ounces
parmesan cheese
2 ounces (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Crepe Batter: Combine the flour, salt, egg, and buttermilk (or milk and water mix) in a blender. Blend until smooth, then set aside to allow the batter to rest while preparing the filling.
2
Cook Leek and Fennel Mixture: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the leeks and fennel for 5 minutes until softened. Add the red lentils and white wine, cooking for an additional minute until the wine reduces. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock, then bring to a boil. Add oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
3
Prepare Spinach and Mushroom Filling: In another pan, heat the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onion and mushrooms for 5 minutes until softened. Add the spinach and stir to heat through. Season with salt and pepper, then mix in the cream cheese until well blended.
4
Cook Crepes: Using a non-stick frying pan, cook thin crepes with the rested batter. Aim to make roughly 12-14 crepes, using a little oil as needed to prevent sticking.
5
Assemble the Crepe Cake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 20 cm (8-inch) deep spring-form or cake tin, lining the base and sides with several crepes, allowing them to overlap. Begin layering alternating mixtures of the leek/lentil filling and the spinach/mushroom filling with the remaining crepes, sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan between each layer. Finish with a crepe on top, press down gently.
6
Bake: Cover the assemblage with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes, allowing the Galette to firm up.
7
Serve: Carefully release the Crepe Cake from the tin, cut into wedges, and serve warm. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Leek and Lentil Crepe Cake?
It is a savory layered dish featuring delicate crepes alternating with a rich leek, fennel, and red lentil mixture and a creamy spinach and mushroom filling.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish that uses vegetable stock and plant-based fillings.
Who is the original author of the source recipe?
The recipe is adapted from Roz Denny's 'The Ultimate Vegetarian Cookbook'.
What are the ingredients for the crepe batter?
The batter consists of 1 cup plain flour, a pinch of salt, 1 egg, and 1 1/4 cups of buttermilk.
Can I substitute buttermilk in the crepe batter?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with a mix of milk and water.
How many crepes should I prepare for the cake?
You should aim to cook roughly 12 to 14 thin crepes.
What vegetables are in the lentil filling?
The filling includes thinly sliced leeks, a small fennel bulb, and chopped canned tomatoes.
What type of lentils are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 3/4 cup of red lentils.
What kind of wine is recommended for the lentil mixture?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of dry white wine.
How do I prepare the spinach for the filling?
Use 8 ounces of frozen leaf spinach that has been thawed and squeezed dry.
What type of cheese is mixed with the spinach and mushrooms?
The recipe uses 7 ounces of low-fat cream cheese.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The lentil mixture is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
What size tin is needed for assembly?
You should use a 20 cm (8-inch) deep spring-form or cake tin.
How do I start the assembly of the crepe cake?
Begin by lightly greasing the tin and lining the base and sides with several overlapping crepes.
Is there cheese between the layers of the cake?
Yes, you should sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese between each layer of filling and crepes.
How long does the crepe cake need to bake?
The cake should be baked for about 40 minutes while covered with foil.
Should the cake rest after baking?
Yes, let the cake rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to firm up.
Can the Hearty Leek and Lentil Crepe Cake be frozen?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead and frozen for later convenience.
How should the cake be served?
Carefully release the cake from the tin, cut it into wedges, and serve while warm.
How much olive oil is required for the entire recipe?
A total of 4 tablespoons of olive oil is used for sautéing the various fillings.
How long do I sauté the leeks and fennel?
Sauté them for approximately 5 minutes until they have softened.
What liquid is used for the lentil simmering process?
The lentils are simmered in a combination of dry white wine, chopped tomatoes, and vegetable stock.
How long should the lentil mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 20 minutes until it has thickened.
What is the purpose of resting the crepe batter?
Resting the batter while you prepare the fillings helps improve the texture of the crepes.
Do I need to grease the pan for the crepes?
Use a little oil as needed in a non-stick frying pan to prevent the crepes from sticking.
What mushrooms are used in the spinach filling?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms.
How much Parmesan cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 ounces of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this a good dish for special occasions?
Yes, the unique layered presentation makes it a fantastic meal for special occasions or impressive dinners.