Blini pancakes with smoked salmon
Add baking soda for airier blini pancakes
To achieve light and airy blini pancakes, adding a pinch of baking soda to the batter can make all the difference. Baking soda reacts with the natural acidity in the cottage cheese, creating bubbles that help the batter rise as it cooks. This reaction results in a fluffier, more delicate texture, perfect for these elegant pancakes. For best results, mix the baking soda into the dry ingredients before combining them with the wet ingredients to ensure even distribution. Be careful not to overmix, as this can pop the air bubbles and lead to denser pancakes.
Blend the cottage cheese for fluffier pancakes
If you want truly silky and fluffy blini pancakes, blending the cottage cheese is a step you don’t want to skip. Cottage cheese can sometimes have small curds that may result in a lumpy batter, affecting the texture. By blending it until smooth, you create a uniform base that mixes seamlessly with the other ingredients, allowing it to stay light and airy. This step also ensures even cooking, as there are no uneven chunks that could weigh the batter down. Smooth cottage cheese enhances both the texture and flavours, making your dish irresistibly soft and tender.
Signs that your egg whites are whisked to perfection
Whipping the egg whites correctly is essential for creating fluffy and light blinis. Perfectly beaten egg whites will form stiff, glossy peaks that stand upright without collapsing when you lift the whisk. They should also stay in place if you gently tilt the bowl – if they slide or look foamy, they need more whisking. On the other hand, overbeaten whites will look dry and clumpy, making them difficult to fold into the batter and causing the pancakes to lose their fluffiness. To avoid this, stop whisking as soon as you achieve stiff peaks and fold the whites into the batter gently to preserve the airiness.
Questions about blini pancakes
Discover the delightful versatility of this recipe with our comprehensive FAQ section. Whether you're interested in traditional toppings or seeking tips on storage and preparation, our answers will guide you to master the art of making these delicious, fluffy treats.
Ingredients
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Eggs
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2 |
|---|---|
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Cottage cheese
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150 g |
|
Finely chopped chives
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1 tbsp |
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Plain flour
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30 g |
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Coarse salt
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½ tsp |
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Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
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|
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Butter
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25 g |
Cream
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Cottage cheese
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4 tbsp |
|---|---|
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Mayonnaise
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1 tbsp |
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Coarse grain mustard
|
½ tsp |
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A pinch coarse salt
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|
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Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
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To serve
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Smoked salmon
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100 g |
|---|---|
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Thawed prawns
|
100 g |
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Finely shredded iceberg lettuce
|
100 g |
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Handful of dill
|
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Add small dollops of batter to the pan
Small dollops of batter ensure uniform, bite-sized pancakes that not only cook evenly, but are also easier to flip, reducing the risk of tearing or uneven edges. Use a tablespoon or small ladle to control the amount of batter, aiming for a diameter of about five to seven centimetres. Make sure the pan is evenly heated and greased with butter to prevent sticking. Cook in batches, leaving enough space between each dollop to allow for easy flipping.
Try skyr for a smoother cream topping
For a cream topping that’s velvety and smooth, try substituting cottage cheese with skyr. A thick Icelandic yoghurt, skyr blends effortlessly with mayonnaise and mustard, creating a creamy, luxurious texture. It also has a tangy flavour that complements savoury toppings like smoked salmon, prawns, or caviar beautifully.
To enhance the flavour further, consider mixing in freshly chopped dill or a squeeze of lemon juice. Skyr also holds up well when refrigerated, so you can prepare the topping in advance without it separating or losing its consistency. This swap adds an extra layer of sophistication to your presentation.
What can I use leftover ingredients for?
Leftover ingredients can be repurposed into a variety of creative dishes. If you have extra cottage cheese or smoked salmon, try making these spinach pancakes, where leafy greens are blended into the batter and topped with smoked salmon and creamy cottage cheese for a vibrant twist.
Leftover prawns are ideal for these seafood pancakes, wrapping a creamy seafood filling in delicate pancakes, topped with cheese and baked to golden perfection. Extra cottage cheese and herbs, like chives or dill, can also be repurposed in this recipe for kale pancakes which pairs savoury green pancakes with a crisp salad for an eye-catching meal.
Whip your own mayonnaise
Making your own mayonnaise is a simple way to elevate the cream topping and enhance the flavours of this recipe. Start with a fresh egg yolk and whisk it together with a teaspoon of mustard. Slowly drizzle in a neutral oil, such as sunflower or grapeseed oil, while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy emulsion. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness.
Homemade mayonnaise has a fresher, richer flavour than store-bought options, and you can customise it by adding garlic, herbs, or spices. This homemade touch will take your blini pancakes to the next level, giving them a professional finish.
Can I make blini pancakes in advance?
Absolutely! This recipe, including all its accompanying elements, can be prepped in advance, making them a perfect choice for stress-free entertaining. After cooking, allow the blinis to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Next, prepare the cream topping and refrigerate, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully overnight and enhance the taste. Pre-portion the smoked salmon and prawns, placing them in separate sealed containers in the fridge. For the garnish, chop fresh herbs like dill and chives and store them in a small container lined with a damp paper towel to keep them crisp and vibrant.
When it’s time to serve, all you need to do is reheat the blinis, assemble them with the prepared cream and toppings, add your garnish, and enjoy!
Rest the batter for enhanced texture
If you have time, let the batter rest for 15-30 minutes before cooking – a small step that can significantly improve the texture. During this time, the flour has a chance to fully hydrate, which improves the batter’s consistency and helps prevent clumps. Resting also allows the air bubbles from the whisked egg whites to stabilise, ensuring the batter stays light and airy.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, keeping it at room temperature while it rests. This small step is especially important if you’re making blinis for an occasion, as it results in pancakes that are not only tender but also visually perfect.
