Blini (Russian Crepes) Recipe
Classic Russian Blini are delicate, thin crepes made with a yeast-leavened batter, resulting in light and fluffy pancakes perfect for savory or sweet toppings. This recipe yields tender blini with a subtle tang from sour cream and a rich, buttery flavor, ideal for traditional accompaniments like caviar, smoked salmon, or jam.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Batter Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for cooking
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for richness)
- Butter or oil for greasing pan
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Batter: Beat in the eggs and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour until the batter is smooth with no lumps. Stir in the melted butter and sour cream if using to add richness.
- Let the Batter Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the batter rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The batter should become bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Prepare the Pan: Heat a nonstick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Blini: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan, swirling it quickly to spread thinly and evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the underside is golden and the top is set. Flip carefully and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until cooked through.
- Repeat and Serve: Transfer the cooked blini to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed. Serve warm with your choice of sour cream, caviar, jam, or smoked salmon for authentic flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warmed to about 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- If you prefer thicker or thinner blini, adjust the batter consistency by adding a little more milk or flour accordingly.
- Use a nonstick skillet or a dedicated crepe pan for best results when cooking blini.
- Keep cooked blini warm by covering them with foil or a kitchen towel until all are cooked.
- Optional sour cream in the batter adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Traditional toppings include sour cream, caviar, smoked salmon, or sweet jams.
Keywords: Blini, Russian crepes, yeast crepes, crepes recipe, traditional Russian pancakes, breakfast pancakes
Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/blini-russian-crepes-recipe/
