Blini are Russian thin, yeasted pancakes, similar to French crepes, but traditionally thicker and more elastic. They are a staple of Russian cuisine, especially during Maslenitsa (Butter Week), and are served with everything from sweet jam to savory fillings like meat, mushrooms, or, most luxuriously, caviar.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Serves
15 minutes + 1 Hour Rest	30 minutes	8-10 (about 20 blini)

Part A: Ingredients

For the Blini Batter

• 2 cups All-purpose flour (sifted)
• 2 cups Warm Milk (or half milk, half water)
• 2 large Eggs (separated: yolk and white)
• 1 Tbsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Instant Yeast (or rapid rise)
• $1/2$ tsp Salt
• 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)

For the Filling (Savory Meat)

• 1 lb Ground Beef or Lamb
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp Butter or Oil
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• To Serve: Sour Cream or Crème Fraîche, Chopped Dill or Chives.

Part B: Instructions

Step 1: Make the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Whisk in the flour and salt until just combined (there may be small lumps). Cover the bowl and let the batter rise in a warm place for 1 hour. It should become bubbly and airy.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and the melted butter. Stir this into the risen batter.

Step 2: Finalize the Batter and Cook

1. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
2. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until just incorporated. This step lightens the batter.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with butter or oil for the first blini only.
4. Pour about $1/4$ cup of batter into the center of the pan, quickly tilting and swirling the pan to spread the batter into a thin circle.
5. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbles form and pop on the surface and the edges look dry. Flip the blini and cook for 30 seconds more. Stack the cooked blini on a plate and keep them warm.

Step 3: Prepare the Savory Filling

1. Melt 2 Tbsp of butter or oil in a skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
2. Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.
3. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

• Take one blini, place a spoonful of the warm meat filling near one edge, and roll it up tightly like a cigar or burrito.
• Serve the warm, filled blini immediately with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche and a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives. (Alternatively, serve the blini unfilled for guests to top with caviar and sour cream).