Silver beet & ricotta crepes with tomato sauce

Step 1

To make the crepes, sift the flour and salt into a medium bowl and make a well in the centre. Use a wire balloon whisk to whisk in the milk and egg until a smooth, thin batter forms. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 10 minutes to rest.

Step 2

Brush a crepe pan or 15cm diameter non-stick frying pan with a little melted butter to lightly grease and heat over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the crepe batter and tilt the pan in a circular motion, swirling the batter to evenly cover the base. Cook for 1 minute or until the edges of the crepe begin to curl. Turn and cook for a further 1 minute or until golden. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining melted butter and batter to make another 11 crepes, reheating pan between batches.

Step 3

Place silver beet in a saucepan and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Place over low heat and cook for 2 minutes or until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside for 5 minutes to cool. Use your hands to squeeze excess liquid from silver beet. Finely chop and place in a large bowl.

Step 4

Heat a medium non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until toasted. Transfer to the bowl with the silver beet.

Step 5

Heat the oil in the same pan. Add the pancetta and onion and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until onion softens and pancetta is golden brown. Transfer to the bowl with the silver beet mixture. Add the ricotta and stir until combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Preheat oven to 180C. Place a crepe on a clean work surface. Divide the silver beet mixture into 12 equal portions. Spoon 1 portion of silver beet mixture down the centre of the crepe. Roll up firmly to enclose filling. Place in a roasting pan. Repeat with the remaining crepes and silver beet mixture, placing crepes side by side in the roasting pan. Spoon the tomato sauce over the crepes and sprinkle with cheese.

Step 7

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cheese melts and crepes are heated through. Remove from oven.

Step 8

Transfer crepes to serving plates and serve with salad, if desired.