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
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 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.
