Blinis with Appenzeller, Caramelized Shallots, and Apples
Category: Appetizers
Serves: 14
This recipe brings together delicate, savory blinis topped with melted Appenzeller cheese, caramelized shallots, and sweet apples, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will impress at any gathering. The lightness of the chickpea flour-based blinis combined with the richness of the cheese, sweet caramelized shallots, and crisp apples provides an unforgettable appetizer.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chickpea flour | 170g |
| Whole milk | 170g |
| Egg whites | 70g |
| Egg yolks | 22g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 5g + extra for cooking |
| Instant yeast for savory preparations | 5g |
| Salt | Pinch + to taste |
| Appenzeller cheese | 300g |
| Golden apples | 250g |
| Shallots | 150g |
| Pancetta | 80g |
| Water | 30g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Fresh thyme | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Butter | To taste |
Instructions
Preparing the Blinis:
- In a mixing bowl, sift the chickpea flour and instant yeast. Add the oil and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the dry ingredients are combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually fold the whipped egg whites into the chickpea flour mixture, using a spatula to ensure it stays fluffy and airy.
- Heat a crepe pan (or any non-stick frying pan) over medium heat and lightly grease with butter, using a paper towel to distribute evenly.
- Spoon the batter into the pan in small amounts to form mini blinis. Cook each for about 1 minute per side, until golden and slightly puffed. Use a spatula to flip them gently.
- Once cooked, place the blinis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set aside.
Preparing the Toppings:
- Slice the pancetta into thin strips. Set aside.
- Cut the apples into wedges without peeling them. Halve the wedges and then slice them into triangular pieces.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened.
- Add the apple slices to the pan and stir gently. Add the sugar and raise the heat slightly, allowing the apples to caramelize and soften for another 5 minutes. Once caramelized, remove from heat and set aside.
Assembling the Dish:
- Slice the Appenzeller cheese and remove the rind. Cut each slice into about 6 small pieces.
- Place 2 pieces of Appenzeller cheese on each blini.
- In a separate pan, fry the pancetta until crispy.
- As the cheese melts on the blinis, remove them from the oven or baking sheet.
- To serve, sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the melted cheese on the blinis, and top with a spoonful of the caramelized apples and shallots.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve warm.
Tips:
- For a more intense flavor, allow the Appenzeller cheese to melt thoroughly over the blinis before adding the caramelized toppings.
- Experiment with different apples such as Granny Smith for a more tart bite.
- If you prefer a more indulgent touch, drizzle a small amount of honey over the finished blinis before serving for a hint of sweetness.
These Blinis with Appenzeller, Caramelized Shallots, and Apples are sure to be a hit, blending savory, sweet, and tangy notes that create a sophisticated appetizer with minimal effort. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, they offer an elevated twist on classic comfort food. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite!
