Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and delightfully versatile, then you’re in for a treat with this Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe. These delicate, thin pancakes can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Their tender texture and rich flavor make every bite a little celebration of traditional Russian cuisine right in your own kitchen. Whether you fancy creamy cottage cheese and smoked salmon or a luscious dollop of Nutella, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Russian Blini starts with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role: the flour gives structure, while the milk and eggs add richness and moisture, and butter brings that irresistible golden finish. The optional yeast adds a light fluffiness that takes these pancakes to the next level.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the foundation for a tender pancake with just the right bite.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Adds a subtle touch of sweetness to balance the batter.
- 1 1/4 cups milk (preferably warm): Makes the batter smooth and helps tenderize the blini.
- 1/4 cup water: Keeps the batter light and easy to spread thin in the pan.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the batter while adding richness and fluffiness.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Infuses the batter with a buttery aroma and prevents sticking.
- 1 tsp active dry yeast (optional): For those who want incredibly fluffy blini with a light rise.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying): Ensures each blini has a perfect golden surface without sticking.
- For the savory filling: 1/2 cup cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese, 1/4 cup smoked salmon or ham finely chopped, fresh dill (optional), salt and pepper to taste.
- For sweet filling: 1/2 cup Nutella or fruit jam like strawberry or raspberry, plus fresh fruit for garnish if desired.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, jam, or honey to finish with flair.
How to Make Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by whisking together your dry ingredients — the flour, salt, and sugar — in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, water, eggs, and melted butter. If you’re using yeast for fluffier blini, dissolve it in the warm milk first and wait about five minutes until it bubbles up and froths. This little patience step makes a huge difference in texture.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients while whisking constantly. You’re aiming for a smooth, lump-free batter. Once the batter is mixed, let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes — this resting time allows the flour to fully hydrate and the yeast to do its thing, resulting in more tender, flavorful blini.
Step 3: Cook the Blini
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly brush with vegetable oil. Pour about 2 to 3 tablespoons of batter into the pan, quickly swirling it around to form a thin, even layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until the blini turn a lovely shade of golden brown. Repeat until all batter is used, stacking the blini with a clean towel to keep them warm and soft.
Step 4: Prepare the Fillings
For savory fans, mix the cottage cheese with finely chopped smoked salmon or ham, seasoning to taste with salt, pepper, and a little fresh dill if you have it on hand. For a sweeter variation, simply spread Nutella or your favorite fruit jam on each pancake. Both options are wonderfully satisfying and bring out different aspects of the blini’s delicate flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Stuffed Pancakes
Place a generous spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each blini. Then fold the edges over the filling to form a neat little parcel or roll them up like a crepe. Serve immediately while still warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe with simple garnishes like a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of honey, or a spoonful of vibrant jam. Fresh herbs like dill add a pop of color and a fragrant touch for savory versions, while fresh fruit complements sweet fillings perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your blini with crisp green salads, pickled vegetables, or even a bowl of hearty borscht to round out a Russian-inspired meal. Light sides keep the blini front and center while adding balance to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, consider rolling your stuffed blini and slicing them into bite-sized pinwheels for cocktail appetizers. Alternatively, stack them layered with fillings and toppings for an eye-catching Russian blini tower that invites sharing and smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftover blini fresh, stack them separated by parchment paper and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This helps maintain their softness without becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, blini freeze beautifully. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about a month.
Reheating
Reheat blini gently in a warm skillet over low heat or in the oven to retain their delicate texture. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can dry them out. For stuffed blini, reheat just until warmed through and serve immediately.
FAQs
Can I make Russian Blini without yeast?
Absolutely! Yeast is optional and adds fluffiness, but traditional blini can be made without it. Your pancakes will be thinner and slightly less airy, which is still delicious.
What fillings work best in Russian Blini?
You can get creative with fillings, but classic options include creamy cottage cheese with smoked salmon for savory or sweet spreads like Nutella and fruit jam. Fresh herbs and fruits add lovely freshness.
How thin should the blini batter be spread?
Aim for a very thin, even layer in the skillet—roughly the size of a thin crepe. This ensures a delicate pancake that’s easy to roll or fold around the filling.
Can I prepare Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the blini ahead, store them chilled or frozen, and fill just before serving. This is perfect for entertaining or busy mornings.
Are Russian Blini gluten-free?
Traditional recipes use all-purpose flour which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you could experiment with buckwheat flour or gluten-free flour blends typically used for blini.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe. Their versatility and comforting nature make them a fantastic dish to enjoy any time of day. Whether you choose sweet or savory fillings, you’re creating a little moment of joy that’s steeped in tradition but delightfully yours. Give this recipe a try — your kitchen will be filled with wonderful aromas, and your taste buds will thank you!
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Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Russian Blini are delicate, thin pancakes traditionally served with various sweet or savory fillings. This recipe offers both options, featuring a light batter made with flour, eggs, and milk, and fillings such as cottage cheese with smoked salmon or Nutella and fruit jam. Perfect for breakfast or a light meal, these blini are cooked in a skillet until golden brown and served warm with optional toppings like sour cream or honey.
Ingredients
For the Blini:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/4 cups milk (preferably warm)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp active dry yeast (optional, for fluffier blini)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Filling (Savory option):
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (or farmer’s cheese)
- 1/4 cup smoked salmon (or ham), finely chopped
- Fresh dill (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Sweet Filling:
- 1/2 cup Nutella or fruit jam (such as strawberry or raspberry)
- Fresh fruit (optional, for garnish)
For Topping (optional):
- Sour cream
- Jam
- Honey
Instructions
- Prepare Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, water, eggs, and melted butter until well combined.
- Activate Yeast (Optional): If using yeast for fluffier blini, dissolve it in a small portion of warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. If skipping yeast, proceed to the next step.
- Combine Ingredients and Rest Batter: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking to achieve a smooth batter. If yeast is used, incorporate the frothy mixture now. Let the batter rest for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the yeast to activate and the batter to settle.
- Heat Skillet and Prepare for Cooking: Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly brush the surface with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Blini: Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of batter into the heated skillet, immediately swirling it around to form a thin, even layer. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the blini are golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat Cooking: Continue pouring and cooking the batter in batches until all the batter is used, lightly oiling the skillet between batches as needed.
- Prepare the Filling: For the savory version, combine the cottage cheese with finely chopped smoked salmon, fresh dill if desired, and season with salt and pepper. For the sweet version, simply have Nutella or your preferred fruit jam ready.
- Stuff the Blini: Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each cooked blin and fold the sides over or roll to enclose the filling neatly.
- Serve: Present the stuffed blini warm, garnished optionally with sour cream, additional jam, or fresh fruit for a flavorful finish.
Notes
- Using yeast is optional but gives the blini a lighter, fluffier texture.
- The batter resting time is important for the best texture and allows yeast activation if used.
- Do not make the blini too thick; keep them thin for traditional texture.
- Fillings can be customized to taste, including vegetarian or fruit options.
- Sour cream is a classic topping, especially with savory fillings.
- Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned pan for easy flipping and removal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Russian
