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    Home » Recipes » Italian Recipes

    Gluten-free Blini with Avocado Cream and Salmon

    Published: Dec 7, 2019 · Modified: Jun 5, 2020 by Andrea

    Jump to Recipe

    Homemade gluten-free blini (Russian fluffy bite-sized pancakes) are super easy to make, cheaper than store-bought, and oh so much tastier! 


    When it comes to holiday or party canapés, this Russian gluten-free blini recipe is definitely a keeper.

    These savoury tiny pancakes have been fiercely hitting the holiday menu for decades and they're still going strong.

    As much as I love the classic blini recipe, this year I've been experimenting on an upgraded allergy-friendly version, and I'm so happy with the result!

    These gluten-free blini have a nice bubbly texture and a slightly nutty flavour, they taste just as good * if not even better * as the original version.

    Top these gluten-free blini with a dollop of refreshing lime & avocado cream and thin slices of smoked salmon, and you’ve got the ultimate party canapé!

    Gluten-free Blini Ingredient Tips

    These blini are super pretty and versatile, and make a fantastic option for brunch, aperitivo and dinner parties alike.

    They're super quick to make and only require a bunch of simple ingredients:

    • buckwheat & rice flour
    • milk
    • free-range eggs
    • baking powder
    • a pinch of salt

    Flour
    Buckwheat flour is traditionally used to make blini, and is one of the healthiest and most nutritious gluten-free flours around.

    I also like to add a tiny amount of rice flour, but you can totally opt for just one type of flour (if you use only rice flour, you might need to add a little more milk).

    Milk

    You can use fresh whole milk or skimmed milk if you prefer. I tried both, and I feel the blini made with whole milk taste better, but it's a personal choice.

    Baking Powder

    The traditional blini recipe calls for yeast, bringing the total time for making them to several hours.

    So if you are always running out of time like me, baking powder is your friend here, just make sure you pick a gluten-free baking powder.

    Free-range Eggs

    You can simply beat one egg until frothy and pale, but if you have a bit of extra time, for super fluffy results try to leave the yolk out and incorporate 2 egg whites (whisked until stiff peaks form)  into the batter right at the end.

    Blini Toppings

    These gluten-free blini make the perfect base for both sweet and savoury toppings. If you ask me, you can't go wrong with the avocado & smoked salmon combo, but here are a few other favourite toppings:

    - crème Fraiche, caviar & chive
    - goats’ cheese, broad beans (or peas), & mint leaves
    - banana & homemade dulce de leche
    - strawberries & homemade hazelnut chocolate spread
    - ricotta cheese, basil pesto & halved cherry tomatoes
    - poached pear, walnuts & honey

    Blini Time-saving Tips

    To save a bit of time, you can make the batter the night before, cover it with cling film and place in the fridge until you need it, making sure to give it a nice whisk before using it.

    Also, did I mention these blini freeze beautifully? Simply arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1 hour, then store them in a zip-lock bag for up to one month.

    Whenever you fancy, simply remove them from the freezer and place them covered in the fridge until needed.

    gluten-free blini with avocado cream and smoked salmon on white plate next to avocado cream in bowl, plain blini and slices of lime

    A healthy take on a party classic canapé, these gluten-free blini with avocado cream and smoked salmon are sure to become a hit at your Christmas or New Year's Eve party or any other special occasion!

    More Holiday Appetizer Recipes To Try:

    Easy Duchess Potatoes

    Easy Brie and Cranberry Cups

    Authentic Italian Potato Frittata

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

    Please let me know how you liked it! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #thepetitecook! Looking at your pictures always makes me smile *and super hungry*!

    gluten-free blini topped with avocado cream and smoked salmon, served with lime wedges and avocado cream on the side
    Print SaveSaved!
    4.85 from 13 votes

    Gluten-free Blini with Avocado Cream and Salmon

    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Homemade gluten-free blini (Russian fluffy bite-sized pancakes) are super easy to make, cheaper than store-bought, and oh so much tastier! 
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Appetiser, Breakfast, brunch
    Cuisine: Russian
    Serving: 4
    Author: Andrea Soranidis - The Petite Cook

    Ingredients

    • 80 g buckwheat flour
    • 1 tablespoon rice flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder, (I use gluten-free)
    • 150 ml fresh whole milk
    • 2 egg whites
    • olive oil, for greasing
    • sea salt and black pepper

    To serve:

    • 1 avocado
    • 1 tablespoon yogurt
    • 1 teaspoon lime juice
    • 100 g smoked salmon
    • 1 teaspoon lime zest

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl mix together the buckwheat flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper and milk until reaching a smooth lump-free batter.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually fold the whisked egg whites into the batter mixture, until fully incorporated.
    • Grease lightly with olive oil a large frying pan and heat over medium high heat, then spoon a tablespoon of the batter into the pan to make a small bite-sized pancakes, about 3 cm large.
    • Cook the pancakes for one minute, then flip them on the other side and cook for a further minute, or until golden on both sides. Remove the pancakes from the pan and keep them warm.
    • In a small bowl smash the avocado with a fork until creamy, then add in the yogurt and lime juice, season with sea salt and black pepper to taste and mix until all the ingredients are combined.
    • Place one teaspoon of the avocado cream over the gluten-free blini, then top them with smoked salmon, sprinkle the lime zest on top and serve.

    Notes

    Time-saving tip: make the batter for these gluten-free blini the night before, cover it with cling film and place in the fridge until you need it, making sure to give it a nice whisk before using it.
    How to freeze blini: simply arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1 hour, then store them in a zip-lock bag for up to one month.
    Whenever you fancy, simply remove them from the freezer and place them covered in the fridge until needed.
    Did you try this recipe? Tag @thepetitecook or use the hashtag #thepetitecook - Looking at your pictures makes my day!

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Martine Brook says

      December 16, 2021 at 8:18 pm

      I will make these for Christmas morning . Could you tell me how many for 5 people the recipe will make ?

      Reply
    2. Mariia says

      September 25, 2021 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing, thanks for the recipe! Made them today for friends as appetiser to have with drinks and they were all gone in seconds! Used plain gf flour instead of rice flour and lf milk.

      Reply
    3. Hazel says

      August 12, 2020 at 4:58 pm

      Can I make these dairy free and gluten fee?

      Reply
    4. Cathy says

      May 21, 2019 at 10:52 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Andrea. Just made the blinis. Super simple and delicious. Thx for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 22, 2019 at 7:18 am

        Hi Cathy! I'm so happy to hear that you liked the blinis! They're so easy, aren't they?! Hope you give more other recipes a try!

        Reply
    5. Jyothi (Jo) says

      January 14, 2019 at 9:48 am

      5 stars
      Looks super cute and a fun party appetizer too. Recipes like these are always welcome. So simple and so healthy

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        January 18, 2019 at 9:42 am

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    6. Michelle says

      January 14, 2019 at 8:17 am

      It's so good to have an allergy friendly version of blinis, we usually have these over the holidays so it's great to have this recipe. I love that avocado cream too, yum!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        January 18, 2019 at 9:42 am

        Thanks Michelle! I personally like to make my recipes as allergy friendly as possible, especially if I have guests coming over 🙂

        Reply
    7. Julie says

      January 14, 2019 at 3:59 am

      These are so cute and make such an elegant appetizer for a dinner party. Love the avocado cream and smoked salmon pairing!

      Reply
    8. Krista says

      January 14, 2019 at 3:08 am

      I'd honestly eat smoked salmon on anything, so you're really speaking my language with this one. These are the perfect bite size snack! Pinning for later!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        January 18, 2019 at 9:43 am

        Ahah me too! Smoked salmon and avocado on everything for me!

        Reply
    9. Lorie says

      January 14, 2019 at 2:15 am

      I’ve never had blini, but I’m OBSESSED with pancakes so clearly I will love these too. Can’t wait to try!

      Reply
    10. Eileen xo says

      January 13, 2019 at 6:38 am

      I love everything about these blinis! The avocado cream is delish! the buckwheat flour blinis are fluffy! These would be perfect for an appetizer or cocktail party

      Reply
    11. Lauren says

      January 12, 2019 at 1:34 am

      What a fun savory dish! This is such a great idea for brunch to switch things up. Love the portion size too!

      Reply
    12. Jacque Hastert says

      January 11, 2019 at 3:57 pm

      I can't wait to make these! They would be perfect for a game day appetizer.

      Reply
    13. mylifecookbook says

      January 11, 2019 at 12:30 pm

      We eat smoked salmon often but always the same way. I love this idea .... especially with the avocado!

      Reply
    14. Gloria Duggan says

      January 08, 2019 at 10:53 pm

      I have grown to LOVE smoked salmon. Pairing it with avocado is awesome. I could eat these a meal....that way I could have LOTS!!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        January 11, 2019 at 2:09 pm

        That makes absolutely sense! Love having these for brunch and not feel guilty if I have more than 4 😀

        Reply
    15. Corina Blum says

      January 08, 2019 at 12:38 pm

      Avocado cream and smoked salmon is such a great topping for blinis. I'm sure these would be so popular at a party!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        January 11, 2019 at 2:12 pm

        Perfect topping if you ask me! But they would also be great with homemade hazelnut spread for a sweet version!

        Reply

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    Andrea Soranidis, founder of The Petite Cook.


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