How to Make a Traditional Russian Blini with Sweet Fillings

Blini, traditional Russian pancakes, are a beloved treat often served during celebrations like Maslenitsa, the Russian pre-Lenten festival. These small, thin pancakes are versatile and can be filled with both savory and sweet fillings. In this guide, we will focus on preparing classic Russian blini with sweet fillings, offering a delicious, comforting dish perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion.

Ingredients for Blini:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup water (adjust to consistency)
• Butter or oil for frying

Ingredients for Sweet Fillings:

1. Sweetened Ricotta or Cottage Cheese:

   • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
   • 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar
   • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • Optional: Zest of 1 lemon or orange for added freshness

2. Jam or Preserves:

   • Any fruit jam or preserve of your choice (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or cherry)

3. Nutella or Chocolate Spread:

   • 1/2 cup Nutella or any chocolate spread for a rich and creamy filling

4. Whipped Cream and Berries:

   • 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
   • Fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries

5. Honey and Walnuts:

   • 1/4 cup honey
   • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or other nuts of choice

Instructions for Making Blini:

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, dry yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

2. Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until you achieve a smooth batter. If the batter feels too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency. The batter should be slightly thinner than pancake batter, but not watery.

3. Let the Batter Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the batter rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Cook the Blini: Once the batter has risen, heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Pour a small ladle of batter into the pan, swirling it to form a thin, even layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Continue this process with the remaining batter.

5. Set Aside and Keep Warm: As you cook each blini, place them on a plate and cover them with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm. You can also place them in a preheated oven (on low) to stay warm while you finish cooking the rest.

Preparing the Sweet Fillings:

1. Sweetened Ricotta or Cottage Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta or cottage cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon or orange zest. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.

2. Jam or Preserves Filling: Simply choose your favorite fruit preserve and set it aside in a small bowl. You can lightly warm it up to make spreading easier.

3. Nutella or Chocolate Spread: If using Nutella, make sure it’s spreadable by warming it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This makes it easier to spread on the blini.

4. Whipped Cream and Berries: Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, and set aside. Wash and prepare fresh berries for topping.

5. Honey and Walnuts Filling: Chop walnuts and set them aside. You can also lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for added flavor. Mix honey with the chopped nuts.

Assembling the Blini with Sweet Fillings:

1. Spread the Filling: Take one blin and lay it flat on a plate. Add a generous amount of your chosen filling in the center. Spread it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.

2. Roll or Fold: You can either roll the blini like a crepe or fold it into quarters, depending on the size of the blini and your personal preference. If you want a more delicate presentation, you can fold them into a triangle or square.

3. Serve: Arrange the filled blini on a serving platter. If desired, drizzle with extra honey, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or top with fresh berries. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Blini:

• Thin Pancakes: The key to traditional Russian blini is making them thin, so don’t overfill the pan with batter. A small ladle of batter goes a long way.
• Rest the Batter: Letting the batter rest after mixing ensures that the yeast works its magic, making the blini light and airy.
• Consistent Heat: Keep the heat medium to medium-low when frying the blini. If the pan is too hot, they will burn quickly before cooking through.
• Make-Ahead: Blini can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat them on a griddle before serving.

Variations:

• Buckwheat Blini: For a more traditional Russian flavor, you can make the blini with buckwheat flour. This will give the pancakes a nutty, earthy taste that pairs wonderfully with sweet fillings.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with a non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk) and use a plant-based butter alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the blini gluten-free. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly.

Blini with sweet fillings offer endless possibilities for flavor combinations, making them a great choice for both everyday enjoyment and special celebrations. Whether you prefer a classic ricotta filling, a decadent chocolate spread, or a fresh fruit jam, these sweet blini are sure to delight any palate.