Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the heart of French cuisine with the legendary Ficelle Picarde - a dish that transforms simple crêpes into a gourmet experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This classic Northern French recipe is not just a meal, but a culinary adventure that combines delicate crêpes, savory ham, earthy mushrooms, and a luxurious béchamel sauce that will transport you straight to the charming countryside of France.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 crêpes
- 200 g ham, diced
- 200 g mushrooms, sliced
- 200 ml béchamel sauce
- 100 g grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the crêpes. If you haven't made them yet, combine 250 g of all-purpose flour, 3 large eggs, 500 ml of milk, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and let the batter rest for about 15 minutes.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter. Pour a ladleful of the crêpe batter into the skillet, swirling it to cover the bottom evenly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift, then flip and cook for another minute. Repeat this process until all the batter is used, stacking the crêpes on a plate as you go.
- In a separate pan, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and any moisture has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the mushrooms are cooked, remove them from the heat and set aside. In the same pan, add the diced ham and cook for another 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Take each crêpe and fill it with a portion of the sautéed mushrooms and diced ham. Roll the crêpes up tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the filled crêpes, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy your Ficelle Picarde!
Tips
- Make your crêpe batter ahead of time and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to ensure smooth, tender crêpes.
- Use a non-stick pan and practice your crêpe-making technique - the first crêpe is always a practice run!
- Choose high-quality ham and fresh mushrooms for the most authentic flavor.
- Don't rush the mushroom sautéing process - golden brown is key for maximum flavor.
- For an extra touch of elegance, use a mix of mushrooms like button and cremini.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make cutting easier.
- Pair with a crisp white wine from Northern France for the ultimate dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
