Description
Russian blini are delicate, fluffy buckwheat pancakes with a light texture and slightly nutty flavor. Traditionally served with sweet or savory toppings, these elegant pancakes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, appetizers, or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buckwheat flour
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for cooking
- 1 large egg, separated and at room temperature
- Optional toppings: smoked salmon, sour cream, honey, fresh berries, cream cheese, fruit preserves, fresh herbs
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast.
- Gradually whisk the warm milk into the dry ingredients until the batter becomes smooth and lump-free.
- Cover the bowl and let the batter rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Stir in the melted butter and egg yolk until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped egg white into the batter using a spatula.
- Cover the batter again and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Heat a lightly buttered nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Drop small spoonfuls of batter into the pan, leaving space between each blini.
- Cook for about 1 minute until bubbles appear on the surface.
- Flip and cook for another 30 seconds until lightly golden.
- Transfer cooked blini to a plate and keep warm while cooking the remaining batter.
- Serve warm with your favorite sweet or savory toppings.
Notes
- Buckwheat flour gives blini their traditional nutty flavor.
- Whipped egg whites help create a lighter and fluffier texture.
- The batter can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise.
- Sweet versions pair well with berries, jam, honey, or whipped cream.
- Savory toppings like smoked salmon, cream cheese, and herbs are classic options.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Freeze cooked blini for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in a skillet for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 blini
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
