Delicious, Mini Pancakes Serving Caviar: A Decadent Delight
Going for a Russian-inspired twist with a modern twist, these Cornmeal Blini are a delightful delight! Traditionally made with buckwheat, we use cornmeal for a unique texture and flavor that's all its own. Whether you prefer white or yellow cornmeal, choice is yours.
Want to add a touch of luxury? Top these blinis with caviar! While sturgeon are endangered, we recommend using domestic caviar or even domestic salmon roe as a more affordable alternative. Tsar Nicoulai is our go-to, but feel free to experiment with other options!
Yield: 30 BliniDifficulty: EasyPrep Time: 20 mins
Here's what you'll need:- 1/2 cup cornmeal- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour- 1 tsp baking soda- 1/2 tsp kosher salt- 1 large egg, beaten- 1 cup milk- Vegetable oil for frying- 2 cups crème fraiche- 1 lb smoked salmon, sliced and chopped- 3/4 cup caviar or salmon roe- Herbs like chives, chervil, or dill for garnish
Now let's get cooking!
- Preheat oven to 250°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well. Add egg and milk, and stir until smooth.
- Heat a heavy griddle or pan over medium heat. Brush with oil. Using a spoon, drop tablespoons of batter into the pan. Cook until bubbles form on the top, then flip and cook until golden.
- Keep warm cooked blini in the oven, covered. Repeat with remaining batter.
- To serve, top each blini with 1 tablespoon crème fraiche, a small curl of salmon, 1 teaspoon caviar, and a pinch of herbs. Enjoy immediately!
Wine pairing: Why mess with perfection? A mature Champagne with some toast and yeast characteristics complements the cornmeal texture and assertive flavor beautifully. Let nature do the rest – little oily fish eggs meet little refreshing citrus bubbles. Simply perfect.
fork you can find alternative caviar options such as White Sturgeon Caviar, Ossetra Caviar, Sevruga Caviar, Golden Osetra Caviar, and Bowfin Caviar. For vegetarians or vegans, there are also plant-based alternatives to traditional caviar made from ingredients like algae or fruit. Experiment and find the perfect caviar for your Cornmeal Blini!
- For an added touch of luxury and Russian-inspired flavor, consider topping your Cornmeal Blinis with domestic salmon roe or alternatively, caviar options such as White Sturgeon Caviar, Ossetra Caviar, Sevruga Caviar, Golden Osetra Caviar, and Bowfin Caviar.
- While preparing the Cornmeal Blini recipe, keep in mind the nutritional benefits of salmon, which is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins such as B12 and D.
- As you follow the instructions for the Cornmeal Blini recipe, feel free to experiment with different herbs like chives, chervil, or dill for garnish, which can add a delightful twist to the traditional Russian dish.
