Blini (Russian Crepes) Recipe
There is something undeniably charming and comforting about homemade pancakes, and when it comes to Russian cuisine, nothing captures that feeling quite like the Blini (Russian Crepes) Recipe. These delicate, thin pancakes deliver a perfect balance of lightness and heartiness, making them an ideal canvas for a wide variety of toppings — whether you prefer sweet jams or savory smoked salmon. As you flip each golden blin, you’ll find that the simplicity of the ingredients and method lets you connect to a warm tradition that’s both delicious and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Blini (Russian Crepes) Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a critical role, whether it’s lending the crepes their tender texture, subtle sweetness, or golden color.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and light base for the crepes, ensuring they stay thin and delicate.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a slight hint of sweetness that balances well with both sweet and savory toppings.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and brings out the subtle nuances in the batter.
- 1 cup warm milk: Warmer milk helps activate the batter and keeps it smooth for easy pouring and cooking.
- 1/2 cup water: Thins the batter, allowing the blini to spread in the pan and become beautifully thin.
- 2 large eggs: Provide richness and help bind all the ingredients together for just the right texture.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds a velvety richness to the batter and prevents sticking during cooking.
- Butter for greasing: Crucial for cooking each blin to golden perfection without tears or sticking.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, jam, smoked salmon, caviar, fresh dill—these classic choices perfectly elevate each bite.
How to Make Blini (Russian Crepes) Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This helps distribute the leavening ingredients and sweetness thoroughly, laying a foundation for an even batter.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth, then whisk in the warm milk and water. Using warm milk is key because it keeps the batter silky and enhances the ease with which the flour absorbs moisture.
Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, whisking continuously until smooth and free of lumps. Stir in the melted butter last — it’s the secret to ensuring your blini are tender and golden.
Step 4: Let the Batter Rest
Allow the batter to rest at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. This pause lets the gluten relax and the starches swell, resulting in more tender blini that cook evenly and don’t tear.
Step 5: Cook the Blini
Heat a nonstick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and grease lightly with butter. Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of batter into the pan, swirling to coat the surface with a thin layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the bottom is lightly golden, then flip and cook another 30 seconds. Stack cooked blini on a plate and repeat until all batter is used.
How to Serve Blini (Russian Crepes) Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings make or break your Blini (Russian Crepes) Recipe experience. Traditional garnishes like a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of raspberry jam bring delightful contrasts of creamy and sweet. For a more elegant twist, try smoked salmon, shimmering caviar, and a sprinkle of fresh dill — each elevating the humble crepe to a celebration of flavor and tradition.
Side Dishes
Blini pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as mixed green salads with lemon vinaigrette or pickled veggies that cut through the richness. A bowl of hearty borscht or warm mushroom soup on the side complements the crepes perfectly, creating a well-rounded Russian-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate mealtime by rolling the blini around fillings like sweetened ricotta or sautéed mushrooms and herbs. You can also stack them into a savory “blini cake” layered with cream cheese and smoked fish, slicing it like a savory dessert. For a playful brunch, offer an array of sauces and toppings so guests can customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra blini, simply stack them with parchment paper between each and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making quick breakfasts or snacks a breeze.
Freezing
This Blini (Russian Crepes) Recipe freezes beautifully. Stack the blini separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for convenience without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your blini gently in a warm skillet with a bit of butter or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. Quick and easy, reheating ensures you get that fresh-cooked softness every single time.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking as some settling may occur.
How thin should the blini batter be?
The batter should be thin enough to swirl easily in the pan, coating it in a delicate, even layer. If it seems too thick, adding a tablespoon or two of water can help thin it out.
Are blini gluten-free?
Traditional blini use all-purpose flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends for a similar result.
What is the difference between blini and regular crepes?
While both are thin pancakes, blini are slightly smaller, a bit thicker, and traditionally made with yeasted batter or with ingredients like buckwheat flour. This recipe uses a simpler approach but still captures the authentic taste and texture.
Can blini be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed slurry and use plant-based milk and vegan butter. While the texture varies slightly, the experience remains delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Blini (Russian Crepes) Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little Russian warmth into your kitchen. With its simple ingredients and foolproof method, anyone can whip up these tender, versatile crepes that pair beautifully with sweet or savory toppings. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a relaxed weekend treat, give these blini a try — they’re sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
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Blini (Russian Crepes) Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 blini 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Blini are traditional Russian crepes that are thin, delicate pancakes perfect for both sweet and savory toppings. Made with a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, and water, these versatile blini are cooked on a stovetop skillet until golden and served warm or at room temperature. Ideal for breakfast or appetizers, they can be topped with sour cream, jam, smoked salmon, caviar, or fresh dill.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Jam
- Smoked salmon
- Caviar
- Fresh dill
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt until evenly combined to ensure a uniform batter.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then gradually whisk in the warm milk and water to create a smooth liquid mixture.
- Create batter: Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Stir in the melted butter to enrich the batter.
- Rest batter: Let the batter rest for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flour to fully absorb the liquids and improve texture.
- Preheat pan: Heat a nonstick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking and develop a golden crust.
- Cook blini: Pour about 2 to 3 tablespoons of batter into the pan, swirling it to coat the bottom in a thin, even layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the bottom is lightly golden.
- Flip and finish cooking: Flip the blin and cook the other side for an additional 30 seconds until just cooked through.
- Repeat and serve: Transfer the cooked blini to a plate and continue the process with the remaining batter, stacking them to keep warm. Serve the blini warm or at room temperature with your choice of sweet or savory toppings such as sour cream, jam, smoked salmon, caviar, or fresh dill.
Notes
- For thinner blini, add a little extra water to the batter until you reach the desired consistency.
- Blini can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- To reheat, warm blini in a skillet over low heat or briefly microwave until heated through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian, Eastern European
