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
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 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.
