World Flavors Cookbook

Blini (Buckwheat Pancakes)

Traditional Russian yeasted buckwheat pancakes — light, slightly tangy, and the classic vehicle for caviar, sour cream, and smoked salmon.

Cuisine: Russia

Ingredients

• 1 cup buckwheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups warm milk
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Sour cream, caviar, smoked salmon for serving

Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk with sugar. Let foam 10 minutes.
2. Mix in buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, egg yolks, butter, and salt.
3. Cover and let rise 1 hour until bubbly and doubled.
4. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold gently into batter.
5. Grease a hot pan. Pour small rounds of batter. Cook until bubbles form, flip.
6. Serve stacked with sour cream, caviar, or smoked salmon.