Blinis with Smoked Salmon and Sour Cream: A Delightful Appetizer Recipe
Blinis are delicate, small pancakes that can be served as a perfect starter for any special occasion. These traditional Russian treats are light, fluffy, and versatile, often paired with rich ingredients like smoked salmon and sour cream. This recipe takes you through each step to prepare a delicious platter of blinis, ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself to a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients:
To make around 14 blinis, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 80g |
| Egg | 1 (separated) |
| Instant yeast for savory preparations | 8g |
| Milk | 100ml |
| Fresh liquid cream | 50ml |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Sour cream | 100g |
| Fresh dill | 2 sprigs |
| Lumpfish roe (or caviar substitute) | 1 tablespoon |
| Smoked salmon | 200g |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~95 kcal |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Carbohydrates | ~8g |
| Fat | ~5g |
| Sodium | ~350mg |
| Fiber | ~0g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Base Blini Batter
To begin preparing your blinis, start with the egg. Separate the egg yolk from the white, placing them in two separate bowls. In the bowl with the egg yolk, whisk it lightly. Gradually add in the milk and fresh liquid cream, mixing as you go to prevent any lumps from forming.
Next, sift in the all-purpose flour and instant yeast, stirring until smooth. Continue mixing until you have a well-combined batter. Allow the mixture to rest for approximately 1 hour to develop the texture and flavor. During this time, the yeast will help the batter become slightly airy.
Step 2: Incorporating the Egg White
After the resting time, take the egg white and beat it with a pinch of fine salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the rested batter. Be careful to preserve the fluffiness by folding slowly and not over-mixing, which could deflate the air you’ve incorporated.
Step 3: Cooking the Blinis
Place a non-stick crepe pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with a small amount of butter. Once the pan is hot, use a ladle to pour small portions of the batter into the pan, creating small round pancakes about 7 cm in diameter. The batter will naturally spread out as it cooks.
Let each blini cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until the bottom becomes golden brown and firm. Once you see the edges setting, flip the blini using a spatula, and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes, until it is golden and crispy. Continue this process until all the batter is used up, and your blinis are perfectly golden.
Step 4: Preparing the Garnish
While the blinis are cooking, prepare the garnishing sauce. In a small bowl, take the sour cream and stir it gently to make it smooth and creamy. Add finely chopped fresh dill, reserving a little to garnish later, and mix it in. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assembling the Blinis
Once the blinis have finished cooking and are cool enough to handle, spread a small dollop of the creamy dill sour cream on each one. Top the sour cream with a delicate slice of smoked salmon, artfully arranged. For an added touch, you can also add a small spoonful of lumpfish roe or caviar as an elegant finishing touch.
Step 6: Final Garnishing
Finish the dish by sprinkling the remaining fresh dill over the top of each blini for a burst of color and flavor. You now have an elegant appetizer that will impress any guest.
Serving Suggestions:
These blinis are best served immediately after assembling, while they are still fresh and warm. Pair them with chilled white wine, a glass of bubbly, or even a refreshing cocktail to complete your appetizer experience. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, festive events, or as a special starter for dinner parties.
Enjoy these delicate, savory bites of Russian-inspired cuisine, packed with the rich flavors of smoked salmon and fresh dill. Their light, airy texture and luxurious toppings make them the perfect appetizer for any occasion.
With this recipe, you can create a sophisticated and flavorful dish that will become a beloved part of your entertaining repertoire.
