Nevsky Blinis

Nevsky Blinis, a delightful Russian dish, are thin pancakes made from buckwheat flour. Traditionally enjoyed during celebrations, especially during Maslenitsa, which marks the beginning of Lent, these blinis are cherished for their unique flavor and texture. Named after the famous Saint Alexander Nevsky, they symbolize the vibrant culture and rich history of Russia.

Ingredients

• Buckwheat flour - 1 cup
• All-purpose flour - 1 cup
• Milk - 2 cups
• Eggs - 2
• Sugar - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Yeast - 1 packet (7g)
• Butter - 3 tablespoons (melted)
• Warm water - 1 cup
• Sour cream - for serving
• Caviar - optional, for a luxurious touch

Preparation

1. Begin by dissolving the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, ensuring that your Nevsky Blinis have the right texture and taste.
2. In a large bowl, combine the buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, and sugar. This mixture should be well blended before adding any wet ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and salt. Combining these ingredients ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated, which adds to the tender texture of the blinis.
4. Add the wet ingredient mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture and continue to mix until the batter is smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not too dense.
6. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the batter rest in a warm place for at least an hour to rise. The resting time allows the yeast to ferment, which is key to achieving a light and fluffy texture in your blinis.

Cooking Process

1. Once the batter has risen and doubled in size, gently stir in the melted butter. This will add a rich flavor and ensure a golden-brown finish when cooking.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with a small amount of butter.
3. Pour a small ladle of batter onto the skillet, tilting the pan to spread it evenly over the surface. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set.
4. Flip the blini using a spatula and cook the other side until golden brown. Repeat this process with the remaining batter.
5. Keep the cooked blinis warm by covering them with a lid or wrapping them in a clean cloth as you continue cooking the rest of the batter.

For timing, you can refer to this cooking timer link.

How to Enjoy Nevsky Blinis

Traditionally, Nevsky Blinis are served with a variety of toppings. For a classic serving, a generous dollop of sour cream is spread over the blini. For those seeking a more luxurious appetizer, top the blinis with a spoonful of caviar. Not only does this enhance the taste, but it also adds a touch of elegance to your dish.

These blinis can be accompanied by a range of beverages, from traditional Russian tea to crisp champagne or vodka, making them a versatile choice for any meal or occasion.