Polish Cheese & Potato Naleśniki

Step 1

Peel the potato, cut it in half, and place both halves in a small pot covered with cold water.

Step 2

Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to medium and simmer until the potato breaks apart easily when pierced with a fork, about 12–14 minutes.

Step 3

Drain the potato in a colander and let it cool for 2 minutes until you can touch it comfortably.

Step 4

Place the warm potato in a small bowl and mash it with a fork until no lumps remain, creating a smooth paste.

Step 5

Stir 2 tablespoons of butter into the mashed potato until fully mixed and melted, then stir in the shredded cheese until the filling is evenly combined.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, and milk using a wire whisk until the batter is completely smooth with no flour streaks, about 1 minute of continuous whisking.

Step 7

Place a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, tilting the pan to coat the entire bottom evenly as the butter melts.

Step 8

Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the hot skillet, then immediately tilt and rotate the pan in a slow circular motion so the batter spreads into a thin, even round about 7 inches across.

Step 9

Cook the crêpe until the bottom surface turns the color of light caramel and the edges look dry and set, about 90 seconds, then use a rubber spatula to flip it over.

Step 10

Cook the second side until it is very lightly golden, about 30 seconds, then transfer the finished crêpe to a plate.

Step 11

Repeat steps 8–10 with the remaining batter to make 4 crêpes total, stacking them on the plate as you finish each one.

Step 12

Place one crêpe on the counter in front of you with the lighter side facing down.

Step 13

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the potato-cheese filling onto the lower half of the crêpe in a thick line, leaving a 1-inch border on the sides.

Step 14

Fold the crêpe in half over the filling so the edges line up, forming a half-moon shape.

Step 15

Repeat steps 12–14 with the remaining 3 crêpes and filling to make 4 filled naleśniki.

Step 16

Divide the filled naleśniki equally between two plates and serve immediately while still warm.