A few years ago, I stumbled upon a recipe that completely changed how I think about brunch. I was looking for something that felt both fancy and simple at the same time, and that’s when I came across Jamie Oliver’s Smoked Salmon Blinis recipe. I wasn’t a fan of smoked salmon back then, but the thought of the delicate, fluffy blinis paired with the silky fish intrigued me. Fast forward to today, and I make this dish almost every time I have friends over. The balance of flavors is perfect, and the texture of the blinis makes them feel like little clouds of goodness.
This recipe isn’t just for special occasions. It’s surprisingly simple, and once you get the hang of it, you can even tweak it to your taste. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible.
Jamie Oliver’s Smoked Salmon Blinis Recipe
Here’s the beauty of Jamie’s Smoked Salmon Blinis recipe. It’s all about creating a light, fluffy blini base topped with rich, creamy flavors from the smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and a touch of dill. It feels like a fine-dining experience, but the technique is manageable for a home cook.
The magic is in the texture of the blinis. They are small, bite-sized, and incredibly tender-almost like a pancake but with more lift. The smoked salmon doesn’t overwhelm the flavor; it complements the dish perfectly. And the crème fraîche? It adds this luxurious creaminess that ties everything together.
Ingredients Needed
Before you dive into cooking, it’s best to make sure you have all the ingredients ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need:
For The Blinis
- 250g plain flour: The base for the blinis. You can also use half whole wheat if you want a richer flavor.
- 1 tsp baking powder: This is what makes the blinis so fluffy and light.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 200ml milk: This adds moisture and gives the blinis that tender texture.
- A pinch of salt: To balance the flavors.
For The Toppings
- 200g smoked salmon: You can go for a good-quality smoked salmon for that rich flavor.
- 100g crème fraîche: You can substitute with sour cream if needed.
- Fresh dill: A couple of sprigs to garnish, giving a fresh, herby kick.
- Lemon wedges: For a zesty, refreshing squeeze right before you eat.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Smoked Salmon Blinis
Making these blinis is surprisingly easy, especially once you’ve done it a couple of times. Here’s how to get started:
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Make The Blinis
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Beat the egg in a separate bowl, then add the milk to it.
- Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring constantly to form a smooth batter. It should be thick but pourable.
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Cook The Blinis
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a little oil or butter to coat the pan.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the hot pan. Don’t worry about making them perfect circles-part of the charm is the rustic look.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Set aside.
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Assemble The Dish
- Place the blinis on a serving platter.
- Top each one with a slice of smoked salmon, a dollop of crème fraîche, and a sprig of fresh dill.
- Squeeze a little lemon juice over the top for an added pop of freshness.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Serve them warm, right from the pan. These little bites are best eaten fresh, and trust me, they’ll be gone in no time.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
The magic of this dish lies in the science behind each ingredient. Take the blinis, for instance. They’re made with baking powder, which releases carbon dioxide when heated. This gas bubbles up and creates air pockets in the batter, making the blinis puff up beautifully. Without the baking powder, you’d end up with dense, flat cakes.
Then there’s the crème fraîche. This creamy, slightly tangy ingredient comes from fermented cream. It pairs perfectly with smoked salmon, as its richness balances the salty, smoky flavors of the fish. The lemon juice? It’s an acid that helps to cut through the fattiness, giving the dish a light, refreshing finish.
The dill is another important ingredient. Its fresh, herbal aroma adds depth, but also acts as a digestive aid. That’s why it pairs so well with rich dishes like smoked salmon.
Expert Tips
- Use a Non-Stick Pan: Blinis are delicate, so a non-stick pan ensures they don’t stick or break when flipping.
- Adjust the Heat: Keep your pan on medium heat. If it’s too hot, the blinis will brown too quickly on the outside and stay raw inside.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: It’s important to mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough blinis instead of light, fluffy ones.
- Make Ahead: You can make the blinis ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Warm them up in a pan when you’re ready to serve.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A fresh cucumber or arugula salad can add a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the smoked salmon.
Recipe Variations
Want to give this recipe a twist? Here are a few variations to try:
- Avocado: Add sliced avocado to the blinis for a creamy, buttery contrast to the salmon.
- Herbed Cream Cheese: If you’re not a fan of crème fraîche, swap it for herbed cream cheese to give an extra boost of flavor.
- Caviar: For an indulgent touch, top with a spoonful of caviar or roe.
- Vegetarian Version: Instead of smoked salmon, try using roasted veggies like beets and goat cheese.
- Gluten-Free Blinis: Replace the flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Final Words
These smoked salmon blinis aren’t just a dish; they’re an experience. Each bite is an explosion of textures and flavors that’ll make anyone feel like they’re dining at a top-tier restaurant, all while being easy enough for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. The best part? The versatility of the recipe means you can make it your own.
FAQs
What Are The Key Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Smoked Salmon Blinis?
You’ll need smoked salmon, blinis, crème fraîche, lemon, and fresh dill.
Can I Make The Blinis In Advance For Jamie Oliver’s Smoked Salmon Blinis Recipe?
Yes, you can make the blinis ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
How Can I Make The Blinis Gluten-free For Jamie Oliver’s Smoked Salmon Blinis Recipe?
Just swap regular flour for a gluten-free flour mix and make sure the baking powder is gluten-free.