If you’re craving a delightful breakfast or a charming snack that feels like a warm hug from Russian tradition, this Russian Blini (Crepes) Recipe is just what you need. These thin, delicate pancakes are perfectly tender with a subtle sweetness, creating a versatile base that embraces both sweet preserves and savory toppings with equal grace. Whether you’re new to Russian cooking or searching for an authentic, simple dish to elevate your mornings, these blini offer a perfect combination of classic flavor and easy technique that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic to great blini lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of lightness, flavor, and texture, making this recipe approachable and rewarding.
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed to lukewarm: Warmer milk helps activate the batter for smooth blending and tender blini texture.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and add richness to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering the batter.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the batter, providing structure and tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking): Brings richness and ensures your blini have a golden, crisp edge.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional): A trick for an extra fluffy texture if you prefer a bit of lift in your crepes.
- Sour cream and jam or smoked salmon and dill for serving: Classic accompaniments that showcase the blini’s versatility.
How to Make Russian Blini (Crepes) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by whisking together the warm milk, eggs, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Gradually add the flour, whisking continuously to avoid lumps and ensure an even batter. Stir in the melted butter, which brings a lovely richness and smooth mouthfeel, and mix in the baking powder if you’re using it for fluffier blini. Allow the batter to rest for 20 to 30 minutes; this crucial step lets the flour fully hydrate and gives your blini that signature tender texture.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Cook the Blini
Place a small nonstick skillet or crepe pan on medium heat and lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking. Pour a small spoonful of batter into the pan, then quickly tilt and swirl the pan to spread the batter into a thin, even circle. Cooking time is key here—let the blini cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until the edges start to lift and the underside turns a lovely golden brown. Flip the blini carefully and cook for an additional 30 to 60 seconds until both sides are perfectly cooked.
Step 3: Repeat and Serve Warm
Continue cooking the remaining batter, remembering to grease your pan with a little butter before each new blin. Once done, keep the blini warm by stacking them on a plate covered loosely with a clean kitchen towel or a low oven if you’re making a batch for later. These delicate Russian pancakes are best enjoyed fresh and warm for the full experience.
How to Serve Russian Blini (Crepes) Recipe
Garnishes
Traditional Russian blini come alive with the right garnishes. For a classic touch, dollops of rich sour cream paired with sweet jam create a harmonious balance. If you want a more savory experience, smoked salmon with a sprinkle of fresh dill is an unbeatable combination that brings brightness and depth to each bite.
Side Dishes
Blini make a wonderful centerpiece surrounded by light, complementing sides. Think fresh cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or even a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon juice and herbs. These sides lend freshness and a touch of crunch that contrast beautifully with the soft pancakes.
Creative Ways to Present
Blini are as flexible as they are delicious. Try rolling them up with creamy ricotta and honey for an elegant dessert or folding them into little bundles tied with chives for finger-food appeal. You can also build mini blini stacks alternating layers of sour cream and caviar to wow your guests at the next brunch or holiday gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra blini (though that rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days without losing much of their tender charm.
Freezing
To enjoy blini any time, freeze them separated by parchment paper inside a zip-top bag or airtight container. This prevents them from sticking together and preserves their texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated blini gently in a nonstick skillet over low heat, or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make blini a bit rubbery, dulling that lovely tender texture.
FAQs
What is the difference between blini and crepes?
While blini are essentially Russian crepes, the traditional blin tends to be smaller and thicker, often made with yeast for a slightly tangier taste. This recipe adapts the classic to a simpler stovetop version that’s still wonderfully authentic and versatile.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, and swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it okay to use baking powder in Russian blini?
Absolutely! Baking powder is optional and adds a bit of fluffiness to the blini without changing the classic flavor. Use it if you prefer a lighter, more cake-like texture.
How thin should the blini batter be spread in the pan?
Aim for a thin, even layer so the blini cooks quickly and develops the delicate texture characteristic of crepes. You want enough batter to cover the pan but not so much that it becomes thick like a pancake.
What are traditional toppings for Russian blini?
Traditionally, blini are served with sour cream, caviar, smoked salmon, dill, or sweet jams. These toppings complement the blini’s mild flavor and offer a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and creamy notes.
Final Thoughts
Making these Russian Blini (Crepes) Recipe is a delightful way to bring a bit of timeless Eastern European charm to your table. They’re elegant yet straightforward to prepare, making them perfect for both busy mornings and special occasions. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find endless joy in customizing and sharing these tender, beautiful pancakes with your loved ones. So go ahead, whisk up a batch, and let this warm tradition become a beloved classic in your kitchen!
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Russian Blini (Crepes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12–14 blini
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate and thin Russian crepes known as blini, made with a simple batter of milk, eggs, flour, and butter. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop until golden and served with a variety of sweet or savory toppings such as sour cream and jam or smoked salmon and dill. These versatile pancakes are perfect for breakfast or brunch and can be prepared ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
Blini Batter
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed to lukewarm
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for cooking
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for fluffier texture)
Serving Suggestions
- Sour cream and jam
- Smoked salmon and dill
Instructions
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lukewarm milk, eggs, sugar, and salt until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, whisking continuously to ensure no lumps form in the batter.
- Incorporate butter and baking powder: Stir in the melted butter and, if using, the baking powder to achieve a slightly fluffier texture.
- Rest the batter: Allow the batter to rest for 20–30 minutes so the flour can fully hydrate, improving the texture of the blini.
- Heat the pan and grease: Preheat a small nonstick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the blini: Pour a small amount of batter into the pan, swirling quickly to coat the bottom with a thin, even layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the edges lift and the bottom turns golden brown.
- Flip and finish cooking: Flip the blin carefully and cook for an additional 30–60 seconds to lightly brown the other side.
- Repeat cooking: Continue cooking the remaining batter in the same way, adding butter to the pan as needed between crepes.
- Serve: Serve the warm blini with your choice of toppings such as sour cream and jam for a sweet option or smoked salmon and dill for savory.
Notes
- For traditional Russian-style blini, serve with sour cream and caviar or jam.
- You can make the blini batter ahead and refrigerate overnight for even better texture.
- Cooked blini can be kept warm in a low oven before serving.
- Lightly grease the pan between each blin to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
