What are the blinis and how to make them at home (recipe from Russia)

What are the blinis and how to make them at home (recipe from Russia)

Do you know what the blinis are and what is their origin? We also discover how we can make them at home with this traditional recipe that comes directly from Russia.

Throughout the world we can find a wonderful versatility in terms of dishes and recipes, as each country has in fact its own cuisine. That is why traveling is – for many – a real pleasure, especially for those who love to eat (like me).

It could be said, in fact, that each country has its own gastronomic wealth. And the magic also comes with the fact that, in addition, within each country we can find ourselves with wide differences in each town or community. Something that makes this sector as delicious as it is enriching.

In the theme of confectionery, for example, this wealth is even greater if possible, since each country has its own sweets and desserts, and even variants of other desserts typical of other places in the world.

A good example of this is found, for example, in the traditional roscón de Reyes that is made in Spain, since in other countries (as is the case of Portugal) we can find a variant known as Bolo Rei.

What is an blini?
With the name of blini we are before a fine cake of Slavic origin that is made from flour, eggs, yeast and milk, and that can be cooked in the oven or fried in the pan with a little oil. In addition, it can be consumed with or without filling.

It is a traditional dessert of Slavic cuisine, within which we can find Russian, Belarusian, Polish and Ukrainian cuisine.

Although they may be reminiscent of the fine pancakes or crêpes that are usually made in France, and that stand out for being used mostly in sweet recipes, the blinis are used especially in more salty dishes.

For example, in some countries, such as Russia, the most common is to use the blini to accompany different types of smoked fish, such as salmon or herring, as well as fish eggs. Also, did you know that depending on the type of filling the blini has, it is accompanied with one or another beverage? Thus, it is common to accompany it with wine, cava, fruit compote or herbal tea.

How is the blini made? Traditional recipe
The elaboration of the blini is actually very simple. So much that it will probably remind you of the traditional pancakes we usually make at home. Take note of both the ingredients and the steps to follow.

Ingredients:

1 medium egg
125 g. Of flour
40 g. of butter
175 ml. of whole milk
1/2 envelope of baking powder
a pinch of salt
Optional: 45 g. of white sugar
Elaboration of the blini:

In a bowl put the egg, melted butter and milk. Drink well until these three ingredients are mixed.
In another bowl, somewhat larger, sift flour and yeast. Add salt and sugar if you prefer to sweeten the dough a little (not necessary).
Then add the egg, milk and butter mixture to the flour bowl and mix everything well. It is best to use the blender, to obtain a much more homogeneous mass.
Cover the bowl with some transparent plastic wrap and reserve in the refrigerator for half an hour.
After this time take out the bowl of the refrigerator.
Put on the fire (not very high) a nonstick skillet, spread the bottom of it with a little olive oil and when it is hot add the dough little by little with the help of a large ladle.
The blini must brown on one side as on the other.
Then reserve on a plate, and do the same with the following blinis.
How to eat the blinis

Once you have prepared the blinis we are faced with a wonderful dough, whose neutral flavor makes it an excellent choice especially for salty or sweet ingredients.

For example, they are ideal to accompany with smoked salmon with dill and cream cheese. Or even, if you prefer and prefer to opt for something sweeter, you can accompany it with a bit of apple compote, fruit jam or caramelized onions.