Russian · Breakfast & brunch

Buckwheat blini

Name: Buckwheat blini
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 24 blini
Cuisine: Russian
Ingredients: 1 cup buckwheat flour; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon instant yeast; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warm; 2 large eggs, separated; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided; 3/4 cup sour cream; 6 ounces cold-smoked salmon; 2 tablespoons chopped dill; Lemon wedges, for serving

Earthy yeast-raised buckwheat blini with delicate lift, browned edges, sour cream, dill, and smoked salmon.

About 2 hrTotal

About 45 minActive

$$Cost

ModerateDifficulty

Makes 24 blini

Equipment

Preheat a 9-inch metal cake pan; the crust will be lighter but still valid.
Best starting skillet
Lodge 10.25-Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet · L8SK3
View at Amazon
Another workable path: Preheat a 9-inch metal cake pan; the crust will be lighter but still valid.
Paid links. As an Amazon Associate, Kwilt earns from qualifying purchases.
How we chose
Research-backed · reviewed Aug 2026
We matched the recipe’s diameter and preheating method, then checked material, heat retention, cooktop fit, weight, care, stable model identity, and exact destination. Kwilt has not cooked with this skillet.
Lodge 10.25-Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet · L8SK3: The 10.25-inch seasoned surface matches the recipe footprint and retains enough heat to create the crisp cornbread edge promised by a preheated skillet method. Trade-off: It weighs more than five pounds, the handles become hot, and avoiding rust requires prompt hand washing, drying, and light oiling.
Another workable path: Preheat a 9-inch metal cake pan with the recipe’s fat; the crust will be lighter but the crumb and flavor remain valid.
Sources
Lodge cast-iron material and care
Amazon exact product listing

Ingredients

1× recipe · Makes 24 blini

1 cup buckwheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups whole milk, warm
2 large eggs, separated
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided
3/4 cup sour cream
6 ounces cold-smoked salmon
2 tablespoons chopped dill
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Whisk both flours, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk and egg yolks and whisk smooth; cover and let rise until aerated and slightly expanded, about 1 hour.
Whip egg whites to soft peaks. Fold them into the risen batter with 2 tablespoons melted butter and rest 10 minutes.
Heat a over medium-low and brush with remaining butter. Drop 2-tablespoon rounds without spreading.
Cook until bubbles open and edges look dry, about 2 minutes; turn once and cook 1 minute more. Hold loosely covered, not tightly stacked.
Top warm blini with cold sour cream, smoked salmon, dill, and lemon just before serving.