Blinchiki (Russian Thin Crepes)

🧂 Ingredients

• 200 g All-purpose flour(Sifted for a smoother batter.)
• 500 ml Whole milk(Room temperature or slightly warmed milk helps prevent lumps.)
• 3 Large eggs(Room temperature eggs incorporate better.)
• 1 tbsp Granulated sugar(Optional, for slightly sweet crepes. Omit for savory fillings.)
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter(Melted, for the batter. Plus more for greasing the pan.)
• 300-400 g Filling (e.g., cooked ground meat, seasoned tvorog, jam)(Prepare your chosen filling in advance. For meat, ensure it's finely ground and seasoned. For tvorog (farmer's cheese), mix with sugar, vanilla, and perhaps an egg yolk. For sweet fillings, jam or fruit preserves work well.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the crepe batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, sugar (if using), and salt. Make a well in the center.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Add the eggs to the well and begin whisking them into the flour mixture. Gradually pour in about half of the milk while continuously whisking until a thick, smooth paste forms, ensuring no lumps remain. This step is crucial for a lump-free batter.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
3. 3

   Whisk in the remaining milk and the melted butter until the batter is thin and smooth, resembling heavy cream. If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two more milk. Let the batter rest for at least 10-15 minutes at room temperature; this allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender crepes.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes (includes resting time)
4. 4

   Heat and grease the pan: Place a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron crepe pan over medium heat. Once hot, lightly grease the pan with a small amount of butter, using a paper towel to spread it evenly. The pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.

   ⏱️ 3 minutes
5. 5

   Cook the crepes: Pour about 1/4 cup (60ml) of batter into the center of the hot pan. Immediately tilt and swirl the pan to spread the batter thinly and evenly across the entire surface. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the edges begin to lift and the underside is lightly golden.

   ⏱️ 1-2 minutes per crepe
6. 6

   Flip and cook the other side: Carefully loosen the edges with a spatula and flip the crepe. Cook the second side for another 30-60 seconds until lightly golden. Slide the finished crepe onto a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan lightly between crepes as needed. Stack the cooked crepes on the plate.

   ⏱️ 1-2 minutes per crepe
7. 7

   Fill and finish: Once all crepes are cooked, place about 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen filling onto one half or one-third of each crepe. Fold the crepe in half, then in half again to form a triangle, or roll it up like a cigar. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, you can briefly pan-fry the filled blinchiki in butter until golden brown on both sides.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
8. 8

   Serve hot, traditionally with a dollop of sour cream (smetana) or other desired accompaniments like jam, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of sugar.

   ⏱️ 1 minute

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Achieving very thin crepes is key. Ensure your batter is the right consistency and the pan is adequately hot.
• ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Work in batches.
• ✓The resting time for the batter is important for tender crepes.
• ✓Taste and adjust seasoning of your filling before assembling.

🔄 Variations

• Sweet: Fill with sweetened tvorog (farmer's cheese), jam, fruit preserves, or sweetened condensed milk.
• Savory: Fill with seasoned ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken), sautéed mushrooms and onions, or mashed potatoes.
• Add a touch of vanilla extract or citrus zest to the batter for a subtle flavor enhancement.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving