Blini (Russian pancake)

Blini vs pancake: what is blini made of?

If you’re entertaining this weekend, blinis are the perfect bite-sized dish to serve family and friends. But what is a blini? Reminiscent of a pikelet or mini pancakes with a golden exterior and fluffy insides, these moreish canapes can be served with sweet or savoury toppings, and are ideal for your next dinner party. 

Pronounced ‘bli-nee’, they originate from Russia with roots across Eastern Europe in Slavic cuisine and are sometimes referred to as Russian pancakes or blini Russian pancakes. Serve them as finger food with your favourite toppings to guests, with smoked salmon alongside other high tea favourites for a Mother’s Day event, or as a base for a sweet dessert with fresh cream and berries.

Tips for making this blini recipe at home

While you can purchase pre-made blini pancakes, it’s simple to make these from scratch. Made from budget-friendly staple ingredients you’re likely to already have at home, there are a few tips you should know on how to make blinis. 

When preparing the batter for your blinis recipe, use a whisk to ensure the ingredients are well-combined and lump-free. Sift the flour before adding it to the mixture, as this will result in lighter and fluffier pancakes. The goal is a smooth batter, so you may need to adjust the thickness by adding a splash of more milk to achieve the correct consistency. 

When it’s time to cook, make sure you coat your frying pan with enough oil and evenly spoon portions of batter around the pan to account for any spreading. You’ll only need to cook them for 2 minutes on each side on medium heat – any longer and this can cause them to burn, and any shorter and the centre could be raw. 

What are the best toppings for blinis?

You can have some fun and experiment with your blini toppings. We suggest avocado and corn, smoked trout and cucumber, or pastrami and pickles, but you can opt for whatever combinations you prefer. Try customising them with a roasted beetroot dip and honey-roasted carrots, sour cream with fresh prawns, or homemade pesto with chargrilled capsicum strips – the combinations are endless.

How are blinis traditionally served? 

To elevate your dining experience, prepare your bite-sized treats complete with toppings and serve them on a large platter. If you’re making several variations, spread them across serving dishes so everyone has the opportunity to try all the flavours. If you prefer, you can even present these at a DIY serving station by placing all the ingredients with utensils on a table and letting your guests choose their favourite toppings.