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Spinach and Ricotta Pancakes

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Savoury pancakes can be just as delicious as sweet ones, maybe more so. These Spinach and Ricotta Pancakes (two ways)  are no exception. Filled with an Italian inspired filling these are simple to make and will make a delicious Pancake Day savoury main dish.

two stuffed pancakes on a plate with knife and fork on the side

Spinach and Ricotta pancakes

The filling for these pancakes is quick and easy to make. Spinach and ricotta is a classic combination in Italian cooking and it works really well as a filling for pancakes. 

Make the pancakes (see How to Make Pancakes),then make the filling. Sauté the onion and then add a little garlic followed by the spinach which is cooked until wilted. Lastly the ricotta, some Parmesan  and some seasoning is added to complete the filling. Spoon into the centre of the pancakes and wrap up to enclose.  Serve with a sprinkling of Parmesan. A side salad is a good accompaniment but not essential. two pancakes on a plate with one cut open with a fork

Spinach and Ricotta Pancakes with Really Easy Tomato Sauce

While these pancakes taste great as they are, they are also delicious served with my Really Easy Tomato Sauce. Which can be served spooned over the pancakes or on the side.

The great thing about serving the pancakes with the tomato sauce is that you can make the filled pancakes and the sauce in advance and then reheat in the oven. The pancakes can be made a couple of days in advance (or longer if frozen), the filling and tomato sauce can also be made in advance. Ideal for serving midweek if you are working or don’t have much time in the evenings and of course on Shrove Tuesday- Pancake Day!

 

Step By Step Spinach and Ricotta Pancakes

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5 from 1 vote

Spinach and Ricotta Pancakes

You can make these delicious Spinach and Ricotta Pancakes, served plain or with my Really Easy Tomato Sauce. 
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time39 mins
Total Time1 hr 9 mins
Course: Easy Midweek Meal, Main Course
Cuisine: Modern British
Skill Level: Moderate
Servings: 4
Calories: 438kcal
Author: Jacqueline Bellefontaine

Ingredients

metric - US cups

Really Easy Tomato Sauce (optional)

  • 1 tbsp olive or rapeseed oil
  • 1 onion peeled and finely chopped
  • 400 g can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée (tomato paste)
  • 2 tsp mixed dried herbs
  • salt and pepper to taste

Pancakes

  • 100 g plain flour (all purpose)
  • 2 eggs
  • 300 ml milk
  • oil for frying

Spinach and Ricotta Filling

  • 1 tbsp olive or rapeseed oil
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • 1 clove garlic chopped
  • 200 g baby spinach leaves
  • 250 g ricotta cheese
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp grated nutmeg
  • 6 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

  • First make the tomato sauce if using.
  • Make the Pancakes and keep warm.
  • To make the filling, heat the oil in a large saucepan and cook the onion gently for about 5 minutes until softened and beginning to colour. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the spinach and cook stirring until just wilted. You may have to add the spinach in batches to fit it in the pan.
  • Add the ricotta cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg and half the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.
  • Take one pancake and place about 1/8 of the filling in the centre and fold up to enclose. Repeat with the remaining pancakes and filling and serve immediately sprinkled with the remaining Parmesan cheese, with or without the sauce.
  • Alternatively, Place the filled pancakes in a shallow ovenproof dish. Spoon the sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. When ready to serve bake in the centre of a preheated oven 180℃ (160℃ fan)/350°F/gas mark 4 for 30 minutes until piping hot.

Notes

I used bags of ready washed baby spinach leaves. If you wash your own spinach, make sure that it is almost dry before adding to the pan. Pour off any excess liquid from the spinach before adding the ricotta or the filling will be too wet.
 
NB Nutritional values calculated without salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 438kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 423mg | Potassium: 806mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 109.9% | Vitamin C: 35.5% | Calcium: 45.9% | Iron: 41.1%
Tried This Recipe?I would love to know how you got on – Tag me on Instagram or Twitter @RecipeCrumbs or leave me a comment and rate the recipe below

 

 

Looking for a sweet pancake for dessert, try my  Coconut and Banana Pancakes or Pancakes with Roasted Strawberries.

About Jacqueline Bellefontaine

Jacqueline has been a cookery writer and food stylist for over 25 years and is a member of the Guild of Food Writers. She is the author of 18 cookbooks and now writes two blogs where she shares the recipes she cooks at home for family and friends, or just for fun. Jacqueline started her food writing career on a weekly magazine and as a result likes to champion good basic home cooking. The daughter of a master baker she is passionate about home baking and is happiest in the kitchen knocking up a batch of buns or baking a loaf of bread. Jacqueline has two grown sons and lives with her husband in Central London.

Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Lesley Garden

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    These look delicious, funnily enough my girls and I were talking about savoury pancakes so I’ll be adding these to my list to try.

    Reply

  3. Corina Blum

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    I love the combination of spinach and ricotta and think it’s a great filling for pancakes! I love how you’ve presented them too.

    Reply

  4. Nicola

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    These look so good and your pictures have made me crave savoury pancakes! I agree that they can be just as delicious as sweet pancakes. What a treat!

    Reply

  5. Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie

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    Oh I so agree about how savoury pancakes can be just as delicious as sweet ones. I lived in Paris for a bit and I used to love going to creperies and ordering the savoury galettes. Cheese and mushroom is my favourite! But I love the flavours you’ve got going on here – kind of cannelloni crossed with pancakes. YUM! Eb x

    Reply

  6. Catherine b

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    A great success thank you. Easy and tasty.

    Reply

  8. Jo Allison / Jo's Kitchen Larder

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    These look so good Jacqui! We are having spinach and ricotta stuffed pasta shells for dinner tomorrow but next time I shall try the filling with pancakes for a change!

    Reply

    • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

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      Thank you Cat they really are and I am not keeping these just for pancake day. I shall be making these again. I like the fact that you can prep ahead.

      Reply

  10. Donna

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    We’re so boring with our pancakes. The kids and husband have Nutella and I have either jam or banana and syrup! I might try these though, such a good idea! #CookBlogShare

    Reply

    • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

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      Do give them a go Donna, they are great because they can be made in advance which is always useful. I think they make a great midweek meal for any time of the year.

      Reply

  11. jenny paulin

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    these look delicious Jacqueline. I did not mean to offend your beautiful savoury pancakes with my comment about those Findus crispy ones last night on FB! yours look far more sophisticated and tasty. I like savoury pancakes I must admit x

    Reply

    • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

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      Not in the least bit offended. I had completely forgotten about those crispy fried ones but when you mentioned it they did look similar. I think these would be rather nice deep fried but sadly that would increase the calorie content somewhat! So I’ll stick with them as is as they are very tasty.

      Reply