Blini Pancakes

Story behind the dish

There’s something endlessly charming about these tiny, tender pancakes that hail from Russia—blini. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an elegant appetizer, blini have a rustic appeal rooted in centuries of tradition. Their delicate flavor, a combination of buckwheat’s earthy notes and the subtle richness from butter and eggs, makes them an inviting canvas for all kinds of toppings, from savory smoked salmon and crème fraîche to sweet jam and honey. Making them from scratch reminds us of the warmth of family kitchens and the joy of sharing simple, comforting food.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup buckwheat flour (2.1 oz)
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (3.3 oz)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 1 cup milk (8.6 oz)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (1 oz)
• 1 large egg, separated

Step-by-step

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and yeast.
2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm milk. Whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the batter rise until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. After the batter has risen, stir in the melted butter and the egg yolk to enrich the mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white until stiff peaks form, but not dry.
6. Gently fold the whipped egg white into the batter, lifting it from underneath to keep the mixture light.
7. Cover the bowl again and let the batter rest for 20 minutes.
8. Heat a generous knob of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
9. Drop small dollops—about the size of a quarter—of batter into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd.
10. Cook for about 1 minute, until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds until golden.
11. Transfer the cooked blini to a plate, cover with a clean towel, and repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more butter as needed.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• To keep your blini warm and fluffy, cover them with a clean kitchen towel until serving.
• Top these little pancakes with anything from smoked salmon and sour cream to fresh berries and honey—your preference!

Closing thoughts

Making blini from scratch fills your kitchen with warm, tempting aromas and gives you a chance to enjoy a beloved culinary tradition. Whether you dress them up with savory toppings or serve them sweet, these delicate pancakes are sure to delight family and friends alike, creating cozy moments around the table. Enjoy the process and savor every bite!