Elegant Brunch Delights: Cornmeal Blini with Smoked Salmon and Caviar
A Taste of Luxury
Indulge in the opulence of Russia with a twist – our cornmeal blini recipe, perfectly paired with smoked salmon and caviar. Born in Russia, these baby pancakes have been elevated to new heights with the addition of cornmeal, providing a delightful texture and flavor.
Choosing the Perfect Caviar
When it comes to caviar, we recommend opting for domestic varieties to support sustainable fishing practices. Our favorite is Tsar Nicoulai, but feel free to use more affordable salmon roe instead, or a mix of both types.
Gather Your Ingredients
To create this exquisite dish, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cups crème fraîche
- 1 pound smoked salmon, thinly sliced and cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup osetra caviar or salmon roe
- Chives, chervil, and/or dill to garnish
Prepare Your Blini
Heat your oven to 250°F. In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring well to mix. Add egg and milk, mixing until smooth. Heat a heavy griddle or frying pan over medium heat until hot, then brush with oil. Using a spoon, drop tablespoons of batter into the pan in small batches. When bubbles form evenly on top, turn once and cook until golden. Transfer cooked blini to a heatproof plate lined with paper towels and keep warm, covered, in the oven. Repeat with remaining batter.
Assemble Your Masterpiece
To serve, top each warm blini with 1 tablespoon crème fraîche, 1 small curl of salmon, 1 teaspoon caviar, and a pinch of herbs. Serve immediately and savor the flavors.
The Perfect Pairing
For a truly unforgettable experience, pair your blini with Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve. The mature Champagne’s toast and yeast characteristics perfectly complement the cornmeal’s texture and flavor, while the citrus bubbles beautifully balance the richness of the dish.
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