Ham Crespelle

Ham crespelle are a classic Italian dish that is halfway between a crepe and a lasagna, with the ham adding a touch of savory and rich flavor. Here’s the complete recipe.

Ingredients

• 125 g of flour
• 250 ml of milk
• 2 eggs
• Salt, to taste
• Butter, as needed for cooking the crespelle
• 150 g of cooked ham (thinly sliced)
• 150 g of grated cheese (such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or parmesan)
• Ready-made or homemade béchamel sauce (approximately 500 ml)

Preparation

1. Prepare the crespelle batter by mixing flour with eggs, gradually add milk and keep stirring to achieve a smooth mixture. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Heat a non-stick pan and lightly grease it with some butter. Pour a ladle of the batter and spread it evenly by tilting the pan, cook the crespelle on both sides until golden. Repeat the process until all the batter is used up.
3. Place a crespelle on a plate, add a layer of cooked ham and sprinkle with grated cheese.
4. Roll or fold the crespelle like a wallet and place them in a previously buttered baking dish.
5. Pour the béchamel sauce over the stuffed crespelle and sprinkle with more grated cheese.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 20 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and the surface of the crespelle is gratinated.

Serve the ham crespelle hot, maybe accompanied by a fresh green salad.

Curiosity

Crespelle are very versatile and can be filled with a variety of ingredients according to tastes and what’s in season. In some areas of Italy, they are also called “cannelloni” when rolled and stuffed, conjuring the idea of a hearty and rich dish.