Name: Blini (Russian Crepes) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Russian
Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk (warmed); 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking); 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for fluffier texture)

Description

Blini are delicate Russian crepes made from a smooth batter of warmed milk, eggs, flour, and melted butter. Lightly pan-cooked until golden and tender, these versatile crepes can be enjoyed with sweet or savory toppings such as sour cream, jam, caviar, or smoked salmon. Perfect as a breakfast or brunch treat, traditional blini bring a touch of Eastern European flair to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Batter Ingredients

2 cups whole milk (warmed)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for fluffier texture)

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Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, sugar, and salt until fully combined.
Add Flour: Gradually pour in the all-purpose flour while whisking continuously to avoid lumps, creating a smooth, even batter.
Incorporate Butter and Baking Soda: Stir in the melted butter. If desired, add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to achieve a fluffier texture.
Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld and the batter to thicken slightly.
Heat the Pan: Warm a nonstick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and brush it lightly with melted butter to prevent sticking.
Cook the Blini: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan, swirling to form an even, thin layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the edges begin to lift and the bottom is golden brown.
Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the blin and cook for another 30–60 seconds until set and lightly golden.
Repeat and Keep Warm: Continue cooking the remaining batter, adding melted butter to the pan as needed. Stack finished blini on a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Serve: Enjoy blini warm with toppings like sour cream, jam, caviar, or smoked salmon.

Notes

For a more traditional flavor, substitute part of the milk with kefir or add a little yeast and let the batter rest longer to develop flavor.
Blini can be made ahead and reheated gently in a skillet or oven.
They freeze well, making them perfect for batch cooking and quick meals later.