Blini
Traditional Russian yeasted buckwheat pancakes, known for their delicate texture and slightly nutty flavor. Perfect for festive occasions and best served with classic accompaniments like caviar, smoked salmon, or sour cream.
🧂 Ingredients
- 7 g Active dry yeast(One standard packet)
- 500 ml Warm milk(Approximately 40-45°C (105-115°F))
- 150 g Buckwheat flour(Finely ground)
- 150 g All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Sugar(To feed the yeast)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 3 Eggs(Separated into yolks and whites)
- 2 tablespoons Butter(Melted, plus more for cooking)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Make the sponge: Add the buckwheat flour and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Whisk until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size and bubbly.
⏱️ 1 hour - 3
Prepare the egg mixture: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, melted butter, and salt.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Incorporate egg yolks and adjust consistency: Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the risen batter. The batter should be thick but pourable, similar to heavy cream. If it's too thick, add a splash more milk.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Whip egg whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will make the blini light and airy.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Fold in egg whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in two additions, being careful not to deflate them. The batter should be light and airy.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Cook the blini: Heat a lightly buttered non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat (around 190°C / 375°F). Ladle about 2-3 tablespoons of batter per blini onto the hot surface. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. You'll see small bubbles forming on the surface before flipping.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 8
Serve immediately: Stack the cooked blini on a plate, keeping them warm. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as caviar, smoked salmon, sour cream, or a dollop of crème fraîche.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your milk is warm but not hot when activating the yeast, as excessive heat can kill it.
- ✓The resting time for the batter is crucial for developing flavor and texture.
- ✓For authentic Maslenitsa celebrations, blini are traditionally made in large batches.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking; cook in batches for best results.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer flavor, use a higher proportion of buckwheat flour.
- For a sweeter blini, add a tablespoon of sugar to the batter and serve with jam, honey, or sweetened condensed milk.