There is something utterly delightful about making and sharing homemade Russian Blini, and this Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe brings that joy right into your kitchen. These tender, thin pancakes are the perfect canvas for a variety of fillings—whether you lean savory with smoked salmon and creamy cottage cheese or go sweet with luscious Nutella or vibrant fruit jam. Each blin offers a warm, soft bite that’s both comforting and elegant, making it a sure crowd-pleaser for breakfasts, brunches, or even cozy dinners with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and easy to find, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect blini texture and flavor. The combination of flour, eggs, and milk crafts the tender pancake base, while the optional yeast adds a lovely fluffiness that makes them stand apart.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of your batter, providing structure and that classic pancake texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor, balancing the sweetness and richness of the batter.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that helps brown the blini beautifully.
- 1 1/4 cups milk (preferably warm): Softens the batter and ensures a smooth consistency.
- 1/4 cup water: Lightens the batter so the blini stay thin and tender.
- 2 large eggs: Provide richness and help bind the batter together.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Adds a subtle buttery flavor and keeps the blini moist.
- 1 tsp active dry yeast (optional): For fluffier blini, yeast gives them a delightfully airy texture.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying): Prevents sticking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Filling ingredients (savory): 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup smoked salmon, fresh dill, salt and pepper: A creamy and smoky combo that pairs wonderfully with the delicate pancakes.
- Filling ingredients (sweet): 1/2 cup Nutella or fruit jam, fresh fruit (optional): For a luscious, sweet contrast that turns your blini into a dessert sensation.
- Toppings (optional): sour cream, jam, honey: These add extra layers of flavor and texture for serving.
How to Make Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Start by combining the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, water, eggs, and melted butter until smooth and inviting. If you’re using yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk first and let it froth up for about 5 minutes—this step makes your blini wonderfully fluffy.
Step 2: Combine and Rest the Batter
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free batter. Let this batter rest for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate fully and the yeast (if added) to work its magic, ensuring light and tender blini.
Step 3: Heat and Prepare Your Pan
Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly brush it with vegetable oil. This keeps your blini from sticking and helps them develop that irresistible, golden-brown exterior.
Step 4: Cook the Blini
Pour a small ladle (2 to 3 tablespoons) of batter into the pan and gently swirl it around so the batter forms a thin, even layer. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden brown and just set. The delicate balance between cooking time and temperature is key to achieving perfect texture without overpowering crispness.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
For a savory twist, blend the cottage cheese with finely chopped smoked salmon, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. For sweetness, simply get your Nutella or favorite jam ready, and optionally gather some fresh fruit as a garnish to brighten things up.
Step 6: Assemble Your Stuffed Pancakes
Once the blini are cooked, spoon your chosen filling onto the center of each pancake. Fold the sides over to enclose the filling or roll them up gently to create a neat stuffed pancake. This is where your creativity shines—whether you prefer neat parcels or loose rolls, they’ll taste amazing.
How to Serve Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe
Garnishes
Top your blini with a dollop of sour cream for a cool, tangy contrast that works beautifully with savory fillings. For sweet versions, drizzle honey or spread an extra layer of jam on top, and sprinkle with fresh fruit for a lovely pop of color and natural sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your stuffed blini with a fresh green salad or pickled vegetables for a balanced meal. For cozy brunch vibes, a simple bowl of borscht or a hearty vegetable soup makes an excellent accompaniment that keeps things authentically Russian.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your blini stacked high on a platter with an assortment of toppings on the side, letting everyone build their own perfect bite. Alternatively, fold or roll each blin into little parcels and serve as finger food—perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe blini can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store fillings separately if possible to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Blini freeze wonderfully! Place cooled blini in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They will keep well for up to 2 months and make a quick, delicious treat any day.
Reheating
To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to retain crisp edges and a tender interior. For stuffed blini, a quick microwave zap wrapped in a damp paper towel helps keep them moist without making the texture rubbery.
FAQs
Can I make the batter without yeast?
Absolutely! The yeast is optional and primarily used to give the blini extra fluffiness. Without it, the blini will be thinner but still delicious and tender, perfect for rolling or folding with your favorite fillings.
What are the best fillings for Russian Blini?
The options are endless! Traditional savory fillings include cottage cheese with smoked salmon or ham, but sweet fillings like Nutella, fruit jams, or fresh berries are equally delightful. You can also experiment with mushrooms, caviar, or sweetened ricotta for new flavor adventures.
How thin should the blini batter be spread?
Aim to swirl the batter into a thin, even layer—think similar to making crepes. This thinness ensures the blini cook quickly and stay tender, providing the perfect wrap for any filling.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can make the blini ahead and keep them warm under a kitchen towel. Fill them just before serving to avoid sogginess. They’re great for gatherings because they can be made in advance and assembled on the spot.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, though the texture may vary slightly. Be sure to choose a blend suited for pancakes, and if using yeast, verify it’s gluten-free. The result will still be tasty and enjoyable!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels both special and utterly comforting, this Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe is a must-try. Whether you fill them with smoky salmon or sweet jam, they bring a beautiful balance of flavors and textures to the table. Have fun making them, sharing them, and savoring every warm, delicious bite with your favorite people. Trust me, once you try this recipe, blini will find a permanent place in your culinary repertoire!
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Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Russian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Russian Blini are thin, delicate pancakes that can be filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings. This recipe offers a traditional method to create fluffy blini, made with a yeast option for added lightness, and features savory fillings like cottage cheese and smoked salmon or sweet options like Nutella and jam. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light snack, served warm with toppings such as sour cream, honey, or fresh fruit.
Ingredients
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 blended.
- Activate Yeast (Optional): If using yeast for fluffier blini, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit about 5 minutes until frothy. If not using yeast, skip to the next step.
- Make the Batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients while whisking to create a smooth batter without lumps. Once combined, allow the batter to rest for 20 to 30 minutes so the gluten can relax and the yeast can activate if used.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly brush the surface with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Blini: Pour about 2 to 3 tablespoons of batter into the hot skillet. Swirl or tilt the pan to spread the batter evenly into a thin layer. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat this process until all batter is used.
- Prepare the Filling: For a savory option, mix the cottage cheese with the finely chopped smoked salmon, season with salt, pepper, and optionally fresh dill. For a sweet option, spread Nutella or your chosen fruit jam on the cooked blini.
- Assemble the Stuffed Blini: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each pancake. Fold the edges over or roll the blini to enclose the filling neatly.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed blini warm. Optionally, top with sour cream, jam, honey, or garnish with fresh fruit according to your preference.
Notes
- If you want lighter and fluffier blini, using the yeast is recommended, but it can be omitted for quicker preparation.
- The batter resting time is important to improve texture and develop flavor.
- Use a non-stick skillet for easy flipping and to prevent sticking.
- Customize fillings to taste: try mushrooms, ham, or sweet cream cheese with berries.
- Blini freeze well; reheat briefly in a skillet or microwave before serving.
