Blintzes Recipe

Blintzes are a delicious and versatile dish that originated in Eastern Europe. They are thin pancakes made from a simple dough and filled with various fillings. Blintzes have been enjoyed for centuries and have become a popular dish in many different cultures.

The basic dough for blintzes is made by combining flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt. This mixture is then whisked together until smooth. The dough should be thin and pourable, similar to a crepe batter. It's important to let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate and the gluten to relax.

While the dough is resting, you can prepare the filling for your blintzes. There are countless options for fillings, but two popular options are a savory force meat filling or a sweet apple and almond filling.

For the savory force meat filling, you will need highly seasoned ground meat. You can use a mixture of beef, pork, and/or veal, seasoned with herbs, spices, and garlic. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with a mixture of cooked vegetables and tofu or beans.

If you prefer a sweet filling, you can combine peeled and cored apples with ground sweet almonds, powdered sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and the juice of half a lemon. This mixture should be well mixed and bound together with beaten egg white.

Once your filling is prepared and your dough has rested, it's time to cook the blintzes. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour a small amount of the batter into the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly. Cook the blintz until the edges start to lift and the bottom is golden brown. Flip it over and cook the other side for a minute or two.

Remove the cooked blintz from the skillet and place it on a clean surface. Spoon a portion of the filling onto one end of the blintz and then fold over the sides. Roll the blintz up tightly, tucking in the edges as you go. Repeat this process with the remaining batter and filling.

Once all the blintzes are filled and rolled, it's time to fry them in hot oil or fat. Heat a large skillet with plenty of oil or fat, enough to submerge the blintzes. Carefully place the blintzes in the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the blintzes from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel.

For those filled with the sweet apple and almond mixture, you can sprinkle them with a little sugar and cinnamon before serving. Blintzes can be enjoyed hot or cold, and they are often served with a dollop of sour cream or fruit preserves.

Blintzes are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They can be filled with a wide variety of sweet or savory fillings, making them customizable to individual tastes. In addition to the traditional fillings mentioned above, blintzes can also be filled with cheese, mushrooms, spinach, or even Nutella!

In conclusion, blintzes are a delicious and satisfying dish that has a rich history and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer a savory or sweet filling, blintzes are sure to be a hit. So why not give this recipe a try and enjoy the flavors of Eastern Europe right in your own home?

Similar dishes to blintzes include crepes, which are a thin version of pancakes and can be filled with various sweet or savory fillings. Another similar dish is the Italian cannelloni, which is pasta tubes filled with a savory filling and baked in a sauce. Both of these dishes offer a different twist on the concept of filled pancakes and are worth exploring if you enjoy blintzes.