1-Ingredient Pea Crepes: the Incredibly Easy, Savory Vegan Recipe for Lunch and Dinner Crepes!

Pea Crepes are tasty and easy to prepare: you will only need 1 ingredient to make these nutritious and delicious crepes, perfect for lunch and dinner. To prepare them, in fact, you will need hulled peas, which will be soaked in water for an hour, before being blended with a pinch of salt. Then just take the dough – just like we do for classic crepes – and cook them for a few minutes on both sides. Once ready, we decided to stuff them with cream cheese and smoked salmon, but you can choose the filling you like best. They can also be enjoyed for a hearty breakfast, or as part of a larger brunch.

What are 1-Ingredient Pea Crepes?

Crêpes, those delicate and versatile French pancakes, have a rich history dating back to the 13th century in Brittany, France. Traditionally made from flour, eggs, and milk, these thin pancakes were initially cooked on large cast-iron hot plates over a wood fire. Crêpes are known for their adaptability, served sweet with fillings like Nutella, sugar, or fruit, or savory with ingredients like cheese and ham. This adaptability has allowed crêpes to become a beloved dish worldwide, celebrated annually on February 2nd during La Chandeleur, or Crêpe Day, in France.

This Pea crêpe variant uses shelled peas blended with water and a pinch of salt, offering a flourless and egg-free option that aligns with both vegetarian and vegan diets. As awareness of the environmental and health benefits of plant-based diets increases, more chefs and home cooks are experimenting with vegetable-based proteins and natural ingredients to create nutritious, protein-rich meals. These green crêpes not only provide a delightful twist on a classic dish but also resonate with the modern pursuit of sustainable and versatile cooking. This evolution in crêpe recipes showcases the creativity and adaptability of traditional cuisines, making them relevant and appealing in today's diverse culinary landscape.

Tips for The Best 1-Ingredient Pea Crepes

• Make sure to soak the peas for at least an hour, or even overnight if possible. This softens them, ensuring they blend smoothly and create a uniform batter without lumps.
• Use a high-powered blender or immersion blender to achieve the smoothest consistency of your pea batter. A smooth batter is crucial for forming thin, even crêpes that cook uniformly.
• While the recipe calls for just salt, don't hesitate to experiment with other seasonings to enhance the flavor of your crêpes. A pinch of garlic powder, some chopped herbs, or a squeeze of lemon juice can add depth to the pea batter.
• Use a good quality non-stick pan to cook your crêpes. The right pan ensures that your crêpes can slide off easily without tearing and allows you to use minimal or no oil, keeping them light and healthy.
• Keep the stove on a medium to low heat. Too high heat can cause the crêpes to brown too quickly without cooking through. A moderate heat helps cook the crêpes evenly, giving them a perfect golden color.
• Pour the batter into the center of the pan and then immediately start tilting and swirling the pan to spread the batter thinly and evenly across the surface. This technique requires a bit of practice but is key to creating the thin, delicate texture that crêpes are known for.
• Watch for the edges of the crêpe to lift up from the pan, which indicates they are ready to be flipped. Each side should only take about 1-2 minutes to cook. Be gentle when flipping to keep them intact.

What Can I Serve With Them?

These versatile green pea crêpes offer a delightful canvas for an array of fillings, catering to both sweet and savory preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options. For savory fillings, you might opt for a combination of feta cheese with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, or perhaps a mix of sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and goat cheese for a rich flavor profile. Vegan options could include a spread of hummus topped with roasted red peppers and arugula or avocado slices with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast and a dash of hot sauce for a bit of kick. If you prefer a sweet variation, consider using almond butter with sliced bananas and a drizzle of agave syrup, or a compote of mixed berries with a dollop of coconut whipped cream.

Can I Make These 1-Ingredient Pea Crepes Ahead?

Yes, you can make these Pea crêpes ahead of time. Prepare and cook the crêpes as directed, then let them cool completely. Once cooled, stack them with wax paper or parchment paper in between each crêpe to prevent sticking, and store them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave for a few seconds to bring them back to the right temperature.

More Vegan Crepes You're Going to Adore!

Chickpea Flour Crepes

Red Lentil Crepes

Tapioca Crepes

How to Store 1-Ingredient Pea Crepes

To store them, place cooled crêpes with parchment paper between each to prevent sticking, then keep them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For freezing, follow the same method of layering with parchment paper, and then place the stack in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy the crêpes, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a quick refresh.

How to Prepare Pea Crepes

Soak the hulled peas in a bowl for at least an hour.

Adjust salt and then blend them with an immersion blender until they're smooth and lump-free.

Heat a non-stick pan over the fire and spread some oil on top, then pour a spoonful of pea mixture.

Spread the mixture well, using a spoon, and when you see that the crepe's edges have started to lift up, flip it over and let cook for another 1-2 minutes.

When your crepes are golden, place them in a stack on top of each other. Let them cool down a bit, then start filling them as you like.

We opted for a cream cheese and smoked salmon filling. Enjoy!