blín

Blín is a traditional dish originating from Eastern European cuisine, particularly popular in Russia and Ukraine. It is essentially a thin pancake, similar to a crepe, but often made with buckwheat flour or a mixture of buckwheat and wheat flour. This gives blín a distinctive nutty flavor and a slightly coarser texture compared to standard wheat pancakes.

The preparation of blín involves mixing flour with milk or kefir, eggs, and a leavening agent such as yeast or baking soda. The batter is then poured thinly onto a hot, greased griddle or pan and cooked until golden brown on both sides. Historically, blín held significant cultural importance, especially during Maslenitsa, a week-long festival celebrated before Lent. These pancakes symbolized the sun due to their round shape and golden color, and were eaten in large quantities as a way to bid farewell to winter and welcome spring.

Blín can be served with a wide variety of toppings and fillings, both sweet and savory. Common sweet accompaniments include jam, honey, condensed milk, or fresh berries. Savory options often feature sour cream, smoked salmon, caviar, minced meat, or mushrooms. The versatility of blín makes it a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, or even as a light dinner.