Recipe
Like Pancakes, But Better: How to Make Authentic Russian Blintz
As a first-generation American, with both of my parents having immigrated to the US from Russia in the 90's, I grew up with a relatively unique palette. While my friends ate chicken noodle soup and hot dogs, my mother prepared borscht and kotleti for my brother and me. Although bringing these foods to elementary school was cause for embarrassment, I have always been proud of my heritage. Educating and sharing something so inherent to my life with others is extremely rewarding and offers an irreplaceable sense of community.
Food is often a definitive aspect of any culture. However, certain cuisines are considerably more represented and more popular in America than others. Russian cuisine in America is extremely underrepresented, and restaurants serving authentic and enjoyable Russian food are often difficult to find.
Russian foods were a staple of my childhood diet, and "blinchiki", or blintz, were by far my favorite dish. These thin pancakes are perfect for breakfast with sweet spreads, or for lunch with a savory side dish. Take a break from Bisquick mix, and expand your palette with authentically Russian blintz.
Authentic Russian "Blini"
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Servings: 24
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup flour
- A pinch salt
- 3 tbs sugar
- 1/4 light olive oil
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Next Sunday brunch, try skipping the pancake mix and exploring the flavors of another culture with authentic Russian blintz. My favorite way to eat these is with honey and a dollop of sour cream in the center. I would recommend folding the blintz up into a quarter; it tastes delicious and is easy to eat. Add fresh fruit or fruit preserves for the perfect breakfast, or even eat them plain.
Extremely underrepresented in the American restaurant industry, Russian cuisine offers delicious, cheap, and carb-tastic comfort food. Widen your palette and your cooking skills with this recipe, and beware— these go quickly!