Blini - pancakes with various fillings

Delicious Blini with Ham, Cheese, and Mushrooms

These blinis, fluffy and full of flavor, are perfect for a hearty breakfast, a tasty snack, or even a quick lunch. With a rich history in culinary traditions, blinis can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from sweet cheese to fresh fruits, but today we will focus on a savory combination of ham, cheese, and mushrooms. Whether you're making them for yourself or a friend, these blinis will bring a smile to your face!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 (8 blinis)

Ingredients:

- 2 eggs
- 500 ml buttermilk
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 250 g flour
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 500 g pressed ham
- 1 white onion
- 1 can of canned mushrooms (approx. 400 g)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Necessary Utensils:

- Non-stick frying pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Clean and chop the onion: Start by peeling the white onion and chopping it finely. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can opt for red onion.

2. Sauté the onion: In a frying pan, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes soft and golden (about 3-4 minutes).

3. Add the ham: Cut the ham into small cubes and add it to the pan. Sauté until it becomes slightly crispy (5-7 minutes).

4. Include the mushrooms: Add the drained mushrooms and continue to cook the mixture for 10 minutes. Finally, add the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and set the filling aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. Mix the liquid ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and half of the buttermilk. Use a mixer or whisk to achieve a smooth mixture.

2. Add the flour and remaining ingredients: Incorporate the flour and salt, mixing well to avoid lumps.

3. Activate the baking soda: In the other half of the buttermilk, add the baking soda. Mix well, then pour this mixture into the batter. Continue to mix until the composition is smooth and has the consistency of a thinner sour cream.

Step 3: Cook the Blinis

1. Heat the pan: Place the non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Make sure the pan is well heated.

2. Pour the batter: Using a ladle, pour a thin layer of batter into the pan. Cook the blini until bubbles appear on the surface (about 2-3 minutes).

3. Add the filling: When the blini is almost cooked, add a spoonful of the ham, cheese, and mushroom filling in the center.

4. Fold the blini: Use a spatula to fold the blini in half, forming a semicircle. Let it fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

5. Repeat: Continue to prepare the blinis until you exhaust the batter and filling.

Serving and Suggestions:

Serve the blinis warm, alongside a fresh green salad or with a dollop of sour cream on top. You can also add a splash of tomato sauce or yogurt for extra flavor. These blinis are perfect for enjoying with a glass of freshly squeezed juice or a fragrant tea.

Possible Variations:

- Alternative fillings: You can experiment with different fillings such as feta cheese with dill, caramelized apples, or pears with cinnamon. These variations will give you the opportunity to adapt the blinis to your personal preferences.
- Vegan blinis: Replace the eggs with banana puree or soy yogurt and use plant-based milk to create a delicious vegan version.

Nutritional Benefits:

These blinis are rich in protein due to the eggs and cottage cheese, while the ham and mushrooms add extra iron and vitamins. Whole grain flour can be used for a higher fiber intake, making them a healthy choice for breakfast or a snack.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of melting cheese or cheese, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the blinis?
Blinis can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or in a pan.

3. What is the secret to fluffy blinis?
Make sure that when preparing the batter, the ingredients are well homogenized, and the baking soda is activated properly.

Enjoy your meal and happy cooking! These blinis are not only delicious but also an excellent way to impress your guests or indulge yourself with a warm and comforting dish. Cook with love and creativity!