Description
Russian Blini are delicate, thin pancakes traditionally served with various sweet or savory fillings. This recipe offers both options, featuring a light batter made with flour, eggs, and milk, and fillings such as cottage cheese with smoked salmon or Nutella and fruit jam. Perfect for breakfast or a light meal, these blini are cooked in a skillet until golden brown and served warm with optional toppings like sour cream or honey.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Blini:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/4 cups milk (preferably warm)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp active dry yeast (optional, for fluffier blini)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Filling (Savory option):
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (or farmer’s cheese)
- 1/4 cup smoked salmon (or ham), finely chopped
- Fresh dill (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Sweet Filling:
- 1/2 cup Nutella or fruit jam (such as strawberry or raspberry)
- Fresh fruit (optional, for garnish)
For Topping (optional):
- Sour cream
- Jam
- Honey
Instructions
- Prepare Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, water, eggs, and melted butter until well combined.
- Activate Yeast (Optional): If using yeast for fluffier blini, dissolve it in a small portion of warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. If skipping yeast, proceed to the next step.
- Combine Ingredients and Rest Batter: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking to achieve a smooth batter. If yeast is used, incorporate the frothy mixture now. Let the batter rest for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the yeast to activate and the batter to settle.
- Heat Skillet and Prepare for Cooking: Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly brush the surface with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Blini: Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of batter into the heated skillet, immediately swirling it around to form a thin, even layer. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the blini are golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat Cooking: Continue pouring and cooking the batter in batches until all the batter is used, lightly oiling the skillet between batches as needed.
- Prepare the Filling: For the savory version, combine the cottage cheese with finely chopped smoked salmon, fresh dill if desired, and season with salt and pepper. For the sweet version, simply have Nutella or your preferred fruit jam ready.
- Stuff the Blini: Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each cooked blin and fold the sides over or roll to enclose the filling neatly.
- Serve: Present the stuffed blini warm, garnished optionally with sour cream, additional jam, or fresh fruit for a flavorful finish.
Notes
- Using yeast is optional but gives the blini a lighter, fluffier texture.
- The batter resting time is important for the best texture and allows yeast activation if used.
- Do not make the blini too thick; keep them thin for traditional texture.
- Fillings can be customized to taste, including vegetarian or fruit options.
- Sour cream is a classic topping, especially with savory fillings.
- Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned pan for easy flipping and removal.
