Soy Milk Crepes in Spicy Sauce

Crepes are an Italian variation of the better-known French crêpes and lend themselves to numerous interpretations, including a spicy twist. Here I propose the recipe for soy milk crepes in a spicy sauce, a delicious dish ideal for those following a vegan diet or who are lactose intolerant.

Ingredients

For the crepes:

  • 125 g of flour
  • 250 ml of soy milk
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (and a bit more to grease the pan)
  • ½ teaspoon of turmeric (optional for color)

For the spicy sauce:

  • 400 g of peeled tomatoes or tomato puree
  • 1 fresh or dried chili pepper (depending on the desired level of spiciness)
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil (a couple of leaves)
  • Extra virgin olive oil

For the filling:

  • Here’s where you can be creative: you can use sautéed spinach, sautéed mushrooms, grilled zucchini, marinated tofu, or any other ingredient of your preference.

Preparation

  1. To prepare the crepes, mix flour, salt, and turmeric if you decide to use it in a bowl. Then, create a well in the center and gradually add the soy milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Finally, incorporate the olive oil.

  2. Let the crepe batter rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature.

  3. Meanwhile, prepare the spicy sauce. Warm a drizzle of oil in a pan, add the crushed garlic, and minced chili pepper (be careful with the quantity, depending on how spicy you want it). After a few minutes, add the peeled tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and let cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes. At the end of cooking, add the chopped fresh basil.

  4. Heat a non-stick pan and lightly grease it with olive oil. Pour a ladle of batter and cook on both sides until the crepe becomes golden. Repeat until all the batter is used up.

  5. For the filling, you can sauté your chosen ingredients in a pan with a drizzle of oil and garlic.

  6. Stuff the crepes with the prepared filling, roll them up or fold them into a wallet shape, and arrange them in a baking dish.

  7. Pour the spicy sauce over the crepes in the baking dish and bake at 180°C (356°F) for about 10 minutes, just enough time to heat them through and blend the flavors.

  8. Serve the crepes hot, perhaps with a final sprinkle of minced fresh chili for those who love a spicy taste.

Curiosity

Crepes are very versatile and can be served as either a main dish or a side dish. The soy milk version with spicy sauce is a great way to bring a strong-flavored, yet suitable dish to the table for those on specific diets. Remember to balance the spiciness of the sauce with the other ingredients of the dish.

Soy Milk Crepes in Spicy Sauce