If you have ever dreamed of making a delightful Russian treat that combines a delicate pancake with a flavorful filling, then you are going to love this Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe. These tender, thin pancakes bring a perfect canvas for both sweet and savory fillings, creating a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you prefer the smoky richness of salmon and cheese or the sweet indulgence of Nutella and fresh fruit, these blini offer something special for every occasion and palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a batter that is light, tender, and perfect for holding your favorite fillings. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the flour providing structure to the eggs lending richness and the melt-in-your-mouth butter enhancing every bite.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives the blini their soft texture and holds everything together.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the batter.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Just enough to add a subtle hint of sweetness without overpowering savory options.
- 1 1/4 cups milk (warm preferred): Creates a smooth, pourable batter and helps activate the yeast if you choose to use it.
- 1/4 cup water: Lightens the batter for that quintessential thin pancake feel.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the batter together.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Infuses buttery goodness and keeps the blini tender.
- 1 tsp active dry yeast (optional): Used if you want extra fluffy blini with a slight rise.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil: For frying to a golden, crisp finish.
- For the savory filling: 1/2 cup cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese, 1/4 cup smoked salmon or ham, fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
- For the sweet filling: 1/2 cup Nutella or fruit jam, plus fresh fruit for garnish.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, jam, or honey to complement any filling choice.
How to Make Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry and Wet Ingredients
Start by mixing your dry ingredients—flour, salt, and sugar—in a large bowl. Separately, whisk together warm milk, water, eggs, and melted butter. If you want your blini fluffier, dissolve the yeast in warm milk first and let it get frothy before mixing it all together.
Step 2: Combine and Rest the Batter
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while whisking to create a smooth batter. This resting period of about 20 to 30 minutes is key. It allows the flour to fully hydrate and the yeast to work its magic, resulting in tender, airy blini.
Step 3: Heat and Prepare Your Pan
Use a non-stick skillet warmed over medium heat and lightly brush it with vegetable oil. This helps each pancake cook evenly and develop that classic golden color and slight crisp edge.
Step 4: Cook the Blini
Pour about 2 to 3 tablespoons of batter into the skillet, quickly swirling it around to form a thin, uniform layer. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes, until you see delicate golden spots. Repeat this with the remaining batter—your blini are starting to shine now!
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
For the savory crowd, mix cottage cheese with finely chopped smoked salmon, adding salt, pepper, and fresh dill for a burst of flavor. If you lean towards sweets, simply spread Nutella or your favorite jam on each warm pancake.
Step 6: Stuff and Fold the Blini
Place a generous spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each pancake. Fold the edges over, forming neat little parcels, or roll them up for an elegant presentation. These stuffed pancakes are as fun to make as they are delicious to eat.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Serve your Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) warm, topped with dollops of sour cream, an extra swipe of jam, or fresh fruit. They’re best enjoyed right away while the flavors and textures are at their peak.
How to Serve Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnish can elevate your blini experience. Fresh dill or chives complement savory fillings wonderfully, bringing a bit of herbal brightness. For sweet variations, fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar make stunning, flavorful finishes.
Side Dishes
Perfectly paired side dishes can turn this Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe from a snack into a fulfilling meal. Consider serving a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or a warm bowl of borscht to embrace the Russian culinary tradition fully.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is all about fun and flair. Arrange a stack of sweet blini topped with assorted fruits and a drizzle of honey for brunch guests. For savory, roll the stuffed blini like little burritos, then slice into bite-size pinwheels—ideal for parties or a beautiful appetizer display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover blini, don’t worry—they store beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply stack them with parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking, then seal tightly in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to two days.
Freezing
Blini freeze very well and make for a quick breakfast or snack later on. Lay them flat on a baking sheet so they don’t stick and freeze for a couple of hours before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to one month without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm blini in a non-stick skillet over low heat or pop them in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Reheat the fillings separately if possible and assemble just before serving for the best results.
FAQs
What makes this Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe different from regular pancakes?
Unlike thick American pancakes, blini are thin and delicate, similar to crepes, and are traditionally stuffed with a variety of sweet or savory fillings. The use of yeast or resting the batter also gives them a slightly different texture and flavor.
Can I make blini without yeast?
Absolutely! The yeast is optional and adds fluffiness, but the recipe works beautifully without it. Simply mix the batter and allow it to rest for even tender results.
What are some traditional savory fillings for blini?
Common savory fillings include cottage cheese with smoked salmon or ham, sautéed mushrooms, and minced meat mixtures. Fresh herbs like dill add a classic Russian flavor.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind the texture might be slightly different. Adding a binding agent like xanthan gum can help maintain the traditional blini consistency.
How should blini be served—warm or cold?
Blini are best served warm, right off the skillet, to enjoy their soft texture and fresh fillings. However, cold blini leftovers can also be tasty, especially when paired with creamy toppings.
Final Thoughts
This Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe is truly a gem worth adding to your cooking repertoire. From the simplicity of the batter to the endless options for fillings and toppings, it’s a dish that invites creativity and offers comfort in every bite. Next time you want to impress friends or treat yourself to something special, these stuffed pancakes are ready to steal the show.
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Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 blini (serves 8-10)
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Russian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Russian Blini are thin, delicate pancakes that can be enjoyed savory or sweet. This recipe yields light, fluffy blini made from a simple batter enriched with eggs, milk, and butter. They are cooked on a skillet until golden and then stuffed with either a savory mix of cottage cheese and smoked salmon or a sweet filling of Nutella or fruit jam. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a versatile snack.
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 Savory Filling:
- 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 the 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
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar to create the dry base for the batter.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk, water, eggs, and melted butter to create the wet mixture.
- Activate Yeast (Optional): If using yeast for fluffier blini, dissolve it in warm milk and let stand for about 5 minutes until frothy. If not, proceed to the next step.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking thoroughly until the batter is smooth. Allow the batter to rest for 20-30 minutes to develop the texture.
- Heat Skillet: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly brush it with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Blini: Pour 2-3 tablespoons of batter into the skillet, swirling to form a thin, even pancake. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat until all batter is used.
- Prepare Savory Filling: For savory blini, combine cottage cheese with finely chopped smoked salmon, add fresh dill if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill Blini: Place a spoonful of your chosen filling (savory or sweet) in the center of each blini. Fold the edges over or roll the pancake to encase the filling.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed blini warm, topped optionally with sour cream, jam, honey, or fresh fruit depending on your preference.
Notes
- If you want fluffier blini, using the yeast is recommended but optional.
- Warm the milk before combining to help activate the yeast and ensure a smooth batter.
- Adjust cooking time slightly if the blini are thicker or thinner than usual.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan filling.
- Blini can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
