Traditional Russian blini are thin, pan-sized pancakes, made from unleavened batter, similar to crepes. Crepes are slightly larger in size and thinner than Russian blini.
Unlike regular pancakes, blinis are made with yeast rather than baking powder so they are softer and more delicate. And blinis are made with buckwheat flour which gives it the signature slightly nutty flavour.
How to Make Blinis
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and then add in the milk.
- Add sugar, salt, baking soda, olive oil, and butter. Whisk to combine. Gradually whisk in the flour.
- Continue to whisk until the flour is fully incorporated and no lumps are visible. Lastly, add in the vanilla extract. The batter should feel heavy and thick, similar to heavy cream.
- Heat a 10-inch non-stick skillet or a crepe pan over medium heat. Spray the pan lightly with non-stick oil. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the pan and swirl the pan to spread evenly.
- Cook for 30 seconds or until the edges are visible golden and lacy looking. Gently flip and cook for another 20 seconds or until the batter is set. Remove to a platter and repeat.
Blini are normally served immediately or at room temperature.
In our household, we enjoy them like American pancakes — with maple syrup and fresh fruit. But you can also enjoy blini with a variety of toppings, such as:
- Cottage cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Sour cream
- Jam
- Honey
- Whipped cream
- Drizzle of chocolate
- Nut butter
You Will Love These Russian Pancakes!
Growing up in Russia and having learned firsthand how to make Russian blini, I inherited this cherished recipe from my mother.
It’s a family secret passed down through generations, perfected by my mother over many years. I always eagerly anticipated the moments when she’d prepare these pancakes, and now, as a parent myself, I continue the tradition with my own children nearly every Saturday morning.
This fail-proof recipe, composed of basic ingredients, has been tested countless times and is guaranteed to yield perfect results if you follow my proven tips and tricks.
With its ability to store well as leftovers, you can confidently prepare a large batch over the weekend and savor it for days to come. This will undoubtedly become your go-to recipe for delicious blini.
Blini: Why Russian Pancakes Are Superior
FAQ
Why is it called a blini?
What do they call pancakes in Russia?
What’s the difference between a blintz and a blini?
What is a blini pancake?
What exactly is a blini? Blinis are yeasted pancakes that are typically made with buckwheat flour. A blini is also quite similar to the style of a crepe, which are often confused with one another. However, there are key differences between the two.
What is the difference between Blinis and pancakes?
However, there are key differences between the two. For instance, blinis are small and bite-sized, typically served in round form and can be topped with anything from sweet to savory. They are essentially deliciously fluffy mini pancakes that make great snacks and are pretty versatile in terms of how they can be served and when.
How do you make a blini pancake?
Blini (Russian crepes) are thin, delicate pancakes, enjoyed both savory or sweet, served with an assortment of toppings for breakfast or dinner. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Whisk in the salt, sugar, and flour until well combined and no lumps remain; set batter aside to rest for 15 minutes. Whisk once more before cooking.
Can Blini pancakes be gluten-free?
You can always make blini gluten-free if you use gluten-free flour or buckwheat flour instead of wheat flour. Serve immediately for the best taste. The size of the Russian pancake depends on the size of your frying pan, but you can always make bite-sized pancakes or even banana bites using this blini pancake recipe.