Description
Classic Russian Blini are thin, tender pancakes perfect for wrapping savory or sweet fillings. Made from a simple batter of flour, milk, eggs, and butter, these versatile blini cook quickly on the stovetop and can be stuffed with a variety of delicious fillings like seasoned ground meat, sautéed mushrooms, cheese, or sweetened farmer’s cheese and fruit preserves. They make an elegant breakfast, appetizer, or main course and can be served plain or pan-fried for a golden, crispy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Blini:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Oil or butter for the pan
For Savory Stuffing Options:
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or chicken (seasoned with salt, pepper, and onion)
- ½ cup sautéed mushrooms with onions
- ½ cup cottage cheese or ricotta with herbs
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional for melty filling)
For Sweet Stuffing Options:
- ½ cup sweetened cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese with vanilla
- ½ cup fruit preserves or jam
- Fresh berries and sour cream or sweetened yogurt
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, salt, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Let the batter rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate fully, which helps produce tender blini.
- Cook the blini: Heat a lightly greased nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour about ¼ cup of batter into the skillet, swirling it around to evenly coat the surface. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the edges begin to lift slightly and the bottom turns golden brown. Flip the blin carefully and cook the other side for an additional 30 to 60 seconds. Transfer the cooked blini to a plate and repeat until all batter is used.
- Stuff the blini: Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each blin. Fold the sides over the filling and then roll the blin up like a burrito to enclose the filling securely.
- Optional pan-fry: To add a crispy, golden exterior, heat a bit of butter in a skillet over medium heat and pan-fry the stuffed blini until they are heated through and golden on all sides. This step enhances texture and flavor but can be skipped if preferred.
- Serve: Serve savory stuffed blini warm with a dollop of sour cream, or sweet versions with powdered sugar, honey, or a side of fresh berries and yogurt.
Notes
- Blini can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Reheat blini gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Customize fillings based on dietary preferences—vegetarian options work well with cottage cheese, mushrooms, or cheese.
- Savory versions pair beautifully with sour cream, while sweet blini are delicious dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey.
