Buckwheat Crepes

From Breakfast to Dessert: Buckwheat Crepes

Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Look no further than these delicious buckwheat crepes. These thin, delicate pancakes have been a staple in French cuisine for centuries, and they are such a simple dish to prepare for breakfast, lunch or dinner served with any number of savoury and sweet toppings.

Buckwheat Crepes: our favourite toppings

I have fond memories of eating buckwheat crepes, filled with egg, ham and cheese, in the sunny courtyard cafes of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence many years ago. Here, we ate them open on a plate, with the edges folded inwards. These crepes have become our new favourite dish for weekend breakfasts at home. With all the rain in recent weeks (as well as kids being sick), there’s been no need to rush out the door. I must say, I’m quite enjoying the leisurely pace (although Stella, the Labrador, is missing her long walks). The kids are partial to dousing their crepes with lemon and sugar, or maple syrup. I’ve been experimenting with savoury toppings. I made whipped goat’s cheese in a previous blog post, and I thought this might be a good topping for the crepes, with smoked fish, or zucchini, cucumber and herbs. It was delicious!

Nutritional Benefits of Buckwheat Crepes

Buckwheat crepes are not only a delight for the taste buds but also offer numerous nutritional benefits. Buckwheat flour is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It is also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Additionally, buckwheat is a good source of protein, essential amino acids, and minerals such as magnesium, copper, and manganese. These nutrients contribute to overall health and well-being, making buckwheat crepes a nutritious choice for any meal.

Buckwheat crepes: some interesting facts

Crepes are believed to have originated in Brittany, in northwest France, with galettes being a regional specialty. Did you know that galettes are made entirely of buckwheat flour? Buckwheat is a quick-growing crop well suited to Brittany’s wet climate and poor soil. Buckwheat crepes are made with both wheat and buckwheat flour, yielding a crispier result than galettes.  Crepes made of wheat flour, eggs and milk or water, lend themselves well to sweet toppings, such as lemon and sugar, or Nutella – or orange juice and Grand Marnier for crepes suzette. If you’re interested in learning more about French cuisine and its history, I’d recommend ‘Let’s Eat France’ by François-Régis Gaudry and Friends (Artisan Books, New York, 2018).

Tips for making perfect buckwheat crepes

Whether you’re making galettes, buckwheat crepes, or sweet crepes, rest the batter for a short while to let air bubbles dissipate. If you don’t have buckwheat flour, simply blend buckwheat grouts to make your own flour. The crepes are best eaten right away, although you can make them in advance and reheat them for a few minutes in the oven.

Here’s another comforting recipe for a rainy weekend breakfast: Creamed Corn with Grilled Vegetables

Best wishes,

Amanda

PS: If you’ve tried these buckwheat crepes or any other recipe on At Amandas Table, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!  If you’d like to read more, please subscribe to my monthly newsletter for stories, recipes and tips for simple, nutritious meals.