These little savoury pancakes make a tender base for just about any hors doeuvre topping such as shrimp, smoked salmon, or cheese. Here I keep things light with a tomato salsa and chive yoghurt.
Directions for: Mini "Blini" Pancakes with Lemon & Chives
Ingredients
Pancakes1 cup (150 g) all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh chives
2 tsp (10 mL) finely grated lemon zest
2 tsp (6 g) baking powder
tsp (3.5 g) salt
cup (160 mL) 1% or 2% milk, at room temperature
cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
2 Tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice
2 large egg yolks
4 large egg whites
Toppings1 cup (250 mL) plain Greek yoghurt
3 Tbsp (45 mL) chopped fresh chives, divided
2 Tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice, divided
2 tsp (10 mL) finely grated lemon zest, divided
lb(s) (225 g) multi-coloured ripe tomatoes, finely diced
Salt and pepper
Directions
Pancakes1. For the pancakes, stir the flour, chives, lemon zest, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the milk, butter, lemon juice and egg yolks together and add this to the flour mixture, whisking to combine (a few lumps are OK.)
2. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites on high speed using electric beaters (or in a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment) until they hold a medium peak when the beaters are lifted. Add these all at once to the batter and fold in quickly.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and grease it lightly. Drop small spoonfuls of batter (or use a small ice cream scoop or squeeze bottle) onto the pan and cook for about 90 seconds on each side. Transfer to a parchment-lined tray and repeat until all of the batter has been used. The pancakes are best served warm, but can be made ahead, stored chilled and reheated in a 300 F (150 C) oven until warmed.
Toppings1. For the toppings, stir the Greek yoghurt with half of each the chives, lemon juice and zest, and add the remaining chives, lemon juice and zest to the tomatoes, and season both to taste. To serve, spoon a little of the tomatoes onto each pancake, top with a little yoghurt and serve.
Tips and Substitutions
Makes 4 dozen mini pancakes or 12 medium pancakes
Video
See more: Breakfast, Brunch, Eggs/Dairy, Party Favourites