blinchki

Blini are a type of thin pancake in Russian, Ukrainian, and other Eastern European cuisines. Traditional blini are made from wheat flour, milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt, sometimes with a little sugar. Buckwheat flour or a mixture of buckwheat and wheat flour are also common, producing a darker, nuttier version. The batter may be unleavened for a crisp texture or leavened with yeast or baking powder to produce a lighter, airy pancake. Blini are typically cooked on a hot skillet in small to large rounds, producing a delicate, flexible pancake that can be folded or rolled.

Serving and fillings: Blini can be served sweet or savory. Common toppings include sour cream, butter, jam, honey, or powdered sugar. Savory fillings range from mashed potatoes and mushrooms to ground meat, cheese, or smoked fish; blinchiki (small stuffed blini) are often rolled around fillings. In many households, blini are served with caviar or salmon during festivals.

Cultural context: Blini are associated with Maslenitsa, a traditional week-long festival marking the end of winter and the approach of Lent. The round, golden blini are symbolic of the sun and warmth; the festival often features stacked pancakes and pancake-themed games and rituals.

Regional variations and related dishes: Similar crepe-like pancakes appear throughout Eastern Europe and the Caucasus; in Polish and Ukrainian cuisine, naleśniki and palachinki are closely related. Differences in size, thickness, and fillings reflect local tastes and ingredients.