Corn Blinis with Skyr, Avocado, and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Blinis are small Russian pancakes that are often served with savory toppings. In a more creative version with a Mediterranean twist, here’s how you might prepare corn blinis with skyr, avocado, and roasted cherry tomatoes.

Ingredients

  • 100 g of fine corn flour
  • 50 g of all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 150 ml of milk
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil for cooking
  • 200 g of skyr (or Greek yogurt if you prefer)
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 150 g of cherry tomatoes
  • Fresh basil for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Start by preheating the oven to 180 °C for the roasted tomatoes.
  2. Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
  3. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix the flours with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. Add the egg and start mixing, gradually pouring in the milk until a smooth batter is formed.
  4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly oil it with extra virgin olive oil.
  5. Pour small amounts of the batter into the pan to form the blinis. When they start to bubble on the surface, flip them and cook the other side until golden.
  6. Repeat until all the batter is used up.
  7. Slice the avocado and season it with lemon, salt, and pepper.
  8. To assemble, spread a layer of skyr on each blini, then add one or two slices of avocado and finish with roasted cherry tomatoes and a basil leaf.

Curiosity

Although traditionally blinis are made with buckwheat flour, this version uses corn flour for a sweet and rustic note that pairs well with the creaminess of the skyr and the freshness of the avocado and cherry tomatoes. Moreover, adding roasted cherry tomatoes introduces a pleasant contrast in textures and flavors.

Italian variation: You might want to add an Italian touch by sprinkling some grated pecorino cheese or a few drops of balsamic vinegar over your ready-to-serve blinis. This will enrich them with an additional layer of typically Italian flavor.

Corn Blinis with Skyr, Avocado, and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes