Blini (singular: blin) are thin, round, and typically small pancakes originating from Russia and other Slavic countries. They are made from batter consisting of flour, eggs, milk, and sometimes yeast. Blini can be savory or sweet, depending on the toppings and fillings used. Common savory toppings include sour cream, smoked salmon, caviar, and various types of meats or cheeses.
Blini
4
servings30
minutes15
minutesSweet blini are often served with toppings like fruit preserves, honey, sour cream, or condensed milk. They are a popular dish, especially during festivals like Maslenitsa (Butter Week), which is a traditional Russian holiday celebrated just before Lent. Blini are versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main meal.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)
1 tablespoon sugar (for sweet blini, optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional toppings or fillings of your choice (such as sour cream, smoked salmon, caviar, fruit preserves, honey, etc.)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar (if using), and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the milk and melted butter. Whisk until well combined.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking continuously, until a smooth batter forms. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Let the batter rest for about 15-30 minutes. This helps the flour absorb the liquid and results in lighter, fluffier blini.
- After the batter has rested, heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter.
- Pour a small amount of batter onto the skillet, using about 2-3 tablespoons for each blin. Use the back of a spoon to spread the batter into a thin, even circle.
- Cook the blini for 1-2 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set.
- Carefully flip the blini with a spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side, or until golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked blini to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm while you cook the remaining batter. Continue until all the batter is used.
- Serve the blini warm with your choice of toppings or fillings. Enjoy!
