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BreakfastBrunchSnack

Classic Blini

These delicate, small Russian pancakes are traditionally made with buckwheat flour and yeast, yielding a slightly tangy flavor and light, airy texture. They are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, often served with a variety of sweet or savory toppings.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
2 hr 15 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
348 kcal
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Vegetarian

Allergen information: may contain eggs, gluten, and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Classic Blini

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

  • 240 mlmilk, lukewarm
  • 7 gactive dry yeast
  • 5 gsugar
  • 120 gbuckwheat flour
  • 120 gall-purpose flour
  • 2 pcsegg, separated
  • 2 gsalt
  • 30 gbutter, melted, plus extra for cooking

Equipment

plastic wrap · ladle · large bowl · whisk · non-stick skillet

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine the milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.

    About 10 min

  2. 2

    Add the buckwheat flour and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a smooth batter forms.

    About 2 min

  3. 3

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.

    About 1 hr

  4. 4

    Once risen, separate the egg yolks from the whites. Add the egg yolks, salt, and melted butter to the batter and stir until well combined.

    About 3 min

  5. 5

    In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure your bowl and whisk are completely clean and grease-free for best results.

  6. 6

    Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will deflate the egg whites.

    About 2 min

  7. 7

    Cover the batter again and let it rest for another 30 minutes.

    About 30 min

  8. 8

    Heat a non-stick skillet or blini pan over medium heat. Lightly brush with melted butter.

    About 1 min

  9. 9

    Pour small amounts of batter onto the hot pan, about 5-6 cm in diameter, leaving space between each blini.

    Cook’s note: Use a small ladle or measuring spoon for consistent blini sizes.

  10. 10

    Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and bubbles appear on the surface.

    About 4 min

  11. 11

    Transfer cooked blini to a plate and keep warm while you cook the remaining batter.

    Cook’s note: You can stack them on a plate covered with foil or place them in a warm oven.

  12. 12

    Serve immediately with your desired toppings.

    Cook’s note: Traditional toppings include sour cream, caviar, smoked salmon, or jam.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
347.6kcal
Protein
12.1g
Carbs
50.9g
Fat
10.2g
Fibre
2.1g
Sugar
4.8g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover blini in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat blini gently in a dry skillet over low heat or in a microwave until warm.

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