Buckwheat Blini

Buckwheat Blini
Photo: Gentl and Hyers
Yield:
30

These savories were originally crumbly pancakes with a strong buckwheaty, yeasty flavor. Nowadays, they're more cohesive, subtle, and sophisticated. Served with spoonfuls of creme fraiche and sevruga caviar, blini make wonderful hors d'oeuvres alongside glasses of chilled vodka.

Ingredients

  • 1 envelope (¼ ounce) active dry yeast

  • ½ cup warm water (110 degrees)

  • ½ cup buckwheat flour

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ teaspoon coarse salt

  • ¾ cup plain yogurt

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

  • ½ teaspoon sugar

  • 2 large eggs, separated

  • 1 to 3 ounces caviar, such as sevruga, for serving

  • Creme fraiche, for serving

Directions

  1. Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a small bowl; let stand until foamy, about 7 minutes. Sift together flours and salt. Stir together yogurt, butter, sugar, and yolks in a large bowl; whisk in yeast mixture and flour mixture. Let batter stand, covered, in a warm place, 30 minutes.

  2. Beat whites until stiff peaks form; fold whites into batter. Let stand 10 minutes.

  3. Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon batter; cook blini 3 or 4 at a time, flipping once, until golden, 2 minutes per side. Serve with caviar and creme fraiche.

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