Classic Russian Blini Crepes
Blini are thin Russian-style crepes that are soft, slightly buttery, and perfect for both sweet and savory toppings. They cook quickly in a pan and can be served with sour cream, fish roe, smoked salmon, Nutella, maple syrup, or fruit. This version uses a simple batter and very clear step-by-step instructions so beginners can make perfect crepes every time.
- Total time
- 25 min
- Servings
- 10
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 4g
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1½ cups milk
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional for sweet blini)
- 1 tbsp butter or neutral oil
- 1 Optional toppings: sour cream fish roe (caviar) smoked salmon maple syrup Nutella honey fresh berries
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Batter: Place a medium mixing bowl on the counter.
- 2
Crack the 2 eggs from the ingredient list into the bowl.
- 3
Add 1 tablespoon sugar and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- 4
Whisk the mixture for about 30 seconds until it looks smooth and slightly foamy.
- 5
Pour in ½ cup of the milk and whisk again.
- 6
Add 1 cup flour to the bowl.
- 7
Whisk slowly until the mixture becomes thick and most lumps disappear.
- 8
Pour in the remaining 1 cup milk while whisking.
- 9
Continue whisking until the batter becomes thin, smooth, and pourable. The batter should look similar to heavy cream.
- 10
Add 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional).
- 11
Whisk for another 10–15 seconds until everything is fully mixed.
- 12
Let the batter sit for 5 minutes on the counter. This helps the flour absorb the liquid and makes smoother crepes.
- 13
Place a non-stick skillet or crepe pan on the stove.
- 14
Turn the stove to medium heat
- 15
Let the pan heat for about 1–2 minutes.
- 16
Add a small piece of butter or a small amount of oil to the pan.
- 17
Spread it around the pan so the surface is lightly coated.
- 18
Stir the batter once before cooking.
- 19
Pour about ¼ cup batter into the center of the pan.
- 20
Immediately lift the pan and tilt it in a circular motion so the batter spreads into a thin round layer.
- 21
Place the pan back on the stove. Cook the crepe on medium heat for about 1–2 minutes.
- 22
Watch the edges. When they begin to lift slightly and the bottom becomes golden, it is ready to flip.
- 23
Slide a spatula under the crepe and carefully flip it over.
- 24
Cook the second side for about 45 seconds to 1 minute.
- 25
Move the finished crepe onto a plate.
- 26
Cook the remaining batter the same way. Add a tiny bit more butter to the pan when needed.
- 27
Stack the crepes on the plate as you finish cooking them.
- 28
Serve the crepes warm. Add toppings such as sour cream, fish roe, smoked salmon, Nutella, maple syrup, honey, or fresh berries.
- 29
You can roll them, fold them, or spread fillings inside before eating! Enjoy 😊
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