What Is a Blini?

Have you ever seen a pancake and wondered, what if it was flatter, thinner, and made primarily of buckwheat? So have we. And then we did the research and found out that those “hypothetical” pancakes are actually real things and they’re called blini. Want to know more? Get ready to dazzle the others at the continental breakfast with your cuisine knowledge with everything you’re about to learn about blini, baby! 

What is a blini?

Well, it depends who you’re asking. If you’re talking to a Russian, then blini are thin, crepe-like pancakes often made with buckwheat. They’re eaten with sour cream or cottage cheese or butter or caviar. If you’re talking to an American—a fancy American—then blini are tiny, savory little pancakes typically served with…caviar. So, okay, whoever you ask about blini are going to tell you to eat them with caviar. 

What is a blini made of?

A traditional Eastern European blini (the thin type) is typically made from buckwheat or wheat flour, milk, and eggs. However, you’ll find a lot of recipes that also include things like kefir or buttermilk instead of regular milk, sugar, and salt. 

Those little blini you buy at posh grocery stores and pair with smoked salmon are made with flour, milk, baking soda, salt, eggs, and butter. 

How to make blini?

To make crepe-y blini, don’t stray too far from the basic pancake procedure. Mix your ingredients, heat up a skillet, grease it with oil, and pour some batter into a large, thin circle. When the top starts to look dry, flip your blini and finish cooking it. Repeat. 

To make the tiny blini, it’s pretty much the same—just smaller. 

How to eat caviar with blini?

Blini are often used as a caviar delivery system. To eat caviar with blini, simply scoop a choice mound of caviar onto the blini, along with, perhaps, a dollop of creme fraiche or sour cream. After that, all that’s left to do is enjoy the high life, my friend! You’ve officially joined the upper crust, and there’s no looking back now!