Corn Blinis with Skyr, Avocado, and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
17/11/2023Blinis 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
- Start by preheating the oven to 180 °C for the roasted tomatoes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly oil it with extra virgin olive oil.
- 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.
- Repeat until all the batter is used up.
- Slice the avocado and season it with lemon, salt, and pepper.
- 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.