About serving caviar with bellini

What is blini?

Blini is a traditional Russian bread or pancake that is served at religious and ritual celebrations, parties, weddings, and even mourning ceremonies with a variety of toppings such as butter, sour cream, caviar, jam, honey, and smoked fish.

Blini are so ingrained in Russian culture that families, friends, neighbors, and even strangers make them as a symbol of generosity and friendship. They are even used in Russian proverbs. For example, a Russian proverb says: “The first blini always goes bad” (Первый блин комом), which means that the first attempts are usually unsuccessful, but one should not despair.

In classical Russian literature, blini and caviar were considered a luxurious and expensive food, consumed only in aristocratic and wealthy families.

For example: In Tolstoy’s novels, especially Anna Karenina and War and Peace, there are references to the luxurious tables of the Russian nobility, which included blini with caviar, smoked fish, and cool vodka.

How to serve caviar with blini:

To serve classic Russian-style blini:

1. Spread sour cream over warm blinis. The sour cream enhances the flavor of the caviar.
2. Place a teaspoon of caviar on top of the sour cream.
3. Fold the blini into a triangle or any desired shape.
4. You can garnish it with fresh dill, chopped scallions, a little lemon juice, or a variety of microgreens.
5. For the best experience, serve bellini with caviar with a light drink like champagne or chilled vodka.

Bellini recipe for serving caviar

Blini is a thin Russian pancake that is usually served with sour cream and caviar. This combination is one of the most luxurious and traditional ways to serve blini.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wheat flour
• 1 cup lukewarm milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon dry yeast (optional, for more puffiness)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup warm water
• Oil or butter for frying as needed

How to prepare:

1. If you are using yeast, mix it with warm water and sugar and wait 5 to 10 minutes for it to activate.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and sugar.
3. Add lukewarm milk and stir.
4. Gradually sift the flour and add it to the mixture until you get a smooth, lump-free dough.
5. Add the yeast (if using) and melted butter and stir.
6. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes until it increases in volume slightly.
7. Heat a non-stick pan and grease it with a little oil or butter.
8. Pour some of the batter into the pan and spread it into a thin layer.
9. When the blini is bubbling and the edges are golden, flip it over and cook the other side.
10. Place the finished blinis on a kitchen towel to keep them soft.

How to make homemade sour cream

Sour cream is a fermented dairy product used in many Russian, Mexican, and European dishes. It has a mild, slightly sour flavor and a creamy, thick texture.

Ingredients:Heavy cream (35-40% fat) 1 cup

• Heavy cream (35-40% fat) 1 cup
• 2 tablespoons of buttermilk or full-fat yogurt
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or white vinegar (optional, for extra flavor)

How to prepare:

1. In a bowl, mix the buttermilk or yogurt with the cream.
2. Add lemon juice or white vinegar (this helps the fermentation process).
3. Pour the mixture into a clean jar and seal it loosely or cover it with a cloth.
4. Let it sit at room temperature (21-25°C) for about 12 to 24 hours until the cream becomes slightly thick and sour.
5. Once ready, close the jar tightly and store in the refrigerator.

Important points:

• If after 12 hours the cream has not reached the desired consistency, let it sit for a few more hours.
• Once prepared, sour cream can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• For better flavor, you can add a little salt or black pepper.

Uses of sour cream:

• With blini, caviar and Russian dishes
• In Mexican dishes such as tacos and burritos
• As a dressing in salads and dips
• In baking pastries and soft cakes