How to cook like a Ukrainian baba: Nalysnyky (Ukrainian Crêpes)

Pancakes and waffles seem to get all the glory when it comes to breakfast. They’re easy, filling, and can be doused in maple syrup. But to elevate your breakfast and give it a Ukrainian twist, try making nalysnyky! 

These crêpes are delicious, and allow you to get creative with the filling. Try them savory with sautéed ham and onion, and a sprinkle of cheese. Serve them for dessert with Nutella and fresh strawberries. Prepare them for brunch with a build-your-own crêpe bar of fun filling options. The opportunities are endless! 

Babcia’s traditional Ukrainian recipe calls for farmer’s cheese and blueberries, which is an incredibly filling and delectable way to enjoy them. To add a little sweetening, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and top with more fresh fruit. 

Ingredients

Crêpes (makes approximately 16):

• 3 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• Pinch of salt
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 tsp. vanilla 
• 1 tbsp. of sugar 
• Butter for frying 

Cheese and blueberry filling:

• 1 pound of farmer’s cheese (goat or cottage works too) 
• 1-pint fresh blueberries (or any berry)
• 4 tbsp. of sugar 

Instructions

For the crêpes: 

1. In a bowl, using a hand electric mixer or a whisk, beat eggs until light and fluffy.
2. Add milk, salt, flour, vanilla, and sugar. Beat until batter is smooth. 
3. Heat a frying pan on medium heat (8-inch works great). 
4. Butter the pan lightly and pour about 1/4 cup of the batter into the center of the pan, swirling the pan or using a spatula very lightly to spread the batter evenly in the pan. This should be spread very thin. Ensure all of the holes are filled with batter. 
5. Cook crêpes on medium heat for about 1 minute or until lightly browned. Flip crêpe over with a spatula and cook for another 30 seconds. 
6. Continue to cook the crêpes, buttering the frying pan each time. Set aside to cool. Makes approximately 16-18 crêpes. 

For the filling:

1. In a bowl, gently combine the farmer’s cheese and sugar with a large spoon. Add in the blueberries and mix without crushing too many of the berries. 
2. Spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of cheese filling near one edge of the crêpe. Add extra blueberries if needed. 
3. Start rolling the crêpe over the filling (you can tuck in each side to prevent the filling from falling out) and continue to roll. 
4. Continue to fill and roll the remaining crepes. 
5. Serve as-is, or drizzle honey and sprinkle powdered sugar.