Smoked Salmon Blinis

Smoked Salmon Blinis

An oldie but a goodie…Indulging in these tasty treats never gets tiresome. Bursting with freshness and a zesty kick, they are a true party for the taste buds. The cream cheese is blended with lime juice, lime zest, dill, lemon juice, and capers delivering a refreshing explosion of flavours.

This recipe couldn’t be simpler – my version of smoked salmon blinis are a popular choice amongst friends and is both satisfying and ready in just 15 minutes. You’ll be effortlessly creating canapés like a seasoned pro!

These flavour bombs are perfect for any occasion, from elegant cocktail parties to casual gatherings with friends. The combination of tangy lime, fresh dill, and creamy cheese creates a symphony of flavours that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Whether you’re hosting a large event or simply looking for a quick and delicious snack, these canapés are a versatile and irresistible option.

The soft colours & bold flavours make them not only a culinary treat but also a feast for the eyes. With their enticing aroma and premium taste, these canapés are bound to become a staple in your entertaining repertoire.

Let the simple elegance and vibrant flavours of these first class mouthfuls elevate your next gathering to a truly unforgettable experience.

These smoked salmon blinis are a blend of cream cheese, capers, dill, citrus zest atop a mini pancake (blini) finished with smoked salmon and a little more zest.

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Smoked Salmon Blinis

(serves 12 prep 15mins)

You Will Need:

1. Mini pikelets (blinis): These small, fluffy pancakes serve as the perfect base for building these delicious appetisers. They provide a delicate texture and subtle flavour that complements the other ingredients.
2. Cream cheese: Creamy and tangy, cream cheese acts as a luscious spread for the pikelets, adding richness and depth of flavour to each bite when combined with the other ingredients.
3. Capers: These briny, pickled flower buds add a burst of salty and tangy flavour to the canapes, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and smoked salmon- that is the salt component No: 1
4. Lemon zest: The zest of a lemon adds bright citrus notes to the dish, enhancing its overall freshness and flavour & the zest just adds that punch of citrus as opposed to the juice.
5. Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice provides a zesty acidity that cuts through the creaminess of the cheese and salmon, adding a refreshing tang.
6. Lime zest: The zest of a lime adds a subtle citrusy aroma and flavour that complements the other ingredients, contributing to the overall brightness of the dish. Using both Lemon & Lime zest just adds to the flavour on another level.
7. Fresh dill (plus extra sprigs to garnish): Fresh dill adds a vibrant herbal flavour and visual appeal to the appetisers, enhancing their overall freshness and aroma. More is better- be generous.
8. Smoked salmon: Rich and savoury, smoked salmon adds a luxurious touch to these appetisers, with its delicate texture and distinctive flavour elevating the dish to gourmet status.
9. Extra Lime zest (optional): Additional lime zest can be added as a garnish for extra flavour and aroma, intensifying the overall citrus profile of the dish. It’s a must for me!
10. Caviar (optional): For a decadent finishing touch, a small amount of caviar can be added to top each Blini, providing a burst of briny flavour and elegant visual appeal.

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, capers, lemon zest, lemon juice, lime zest, and chopped dill. These ingredients will all come together beautifully to create a flavour packed and aromatic cream mixture that will serve as the base for the blinis.
2. Using a spoon or spatula, mix the ingredients until they are well combined, ensuring that the flavours are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The cream cheese should be smooth and creamy, with the capers and herbs evenly dispersed.
3. Once the cream cheese mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble the blinis. Take each mini pikelet (blini) and place two heaped teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture on top. Spread the mixture evenly over the surface of the blini. I tend to pile it in the middle to make it appear more luxe.
4. Next, top each blini with a small folded piece of smoked salmon, approximately 2cm x 3cm in size. The smoked salmon adds a rich and savoury element to the appetiser, complementing the tanginess of the cream cheese mixture.
5. To garnish, add a sprig of dill on the top of each blini, adding a pop of fresh herbal flavour and visual appeal. For an optional garnish, you can also sprinkle extra lime zest over the blinis, enhancing the citrusy aroma and flavour.
6. For an extra touch of luxury, consider adding a small dollop of caviar to each blini as a final garnish. The caviar adds a burst of briny flavour and elegant sophistication to the dish.
7. Once assembled, the blinis are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Helpful Tips

• Allow the cream cheese to soften by taking it out of the fridge 20 minutes before preparation.

• Supermarket packs of mini pikelets often contain 24-30 pieces, so you can double the recipe or freeze the rest for later use.

• Use two teaspoons to scoop and spoon the mixture onto the blinis for a more aesthetically pleasing presentation.

• There are a number of ways you can present these canapes, you could alternatively use a piping bag & tip. This would give you a finer finish suitable for a cocktail party.

• For an extra touch of decadence, consider adding ¼ tsp of caviar on top of each blini.

• Invest in a zester, a must-have kitchen gadget that adds finesse to your culinary creations, so simple to garnish dishes with citrus zest for final touches of extra flavour.

• No need to add salt, as the salmon & capers provide ample saltiness to the dish.

• I always end up buying 100g jars of capers as I don’t want to waste any, but for the same price you can purchase 300g jars, so makes more sense to buy larger jars if you do a lot of catering. They store in your refrigerator for 14 days once opened- I keep mine longer with no issues.

• These smoked salmon blinis are truly a celebration of flavour and simplicity. They are perfect, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a gourmet snack. This delightful recipe promises to impress with minimal effort, allowing you to upgrade your entertaining skills and embrace the joy of creating these delicious canapés.

• Your taste buds will certainly thank you for the captivating burst of flavour, and I must confess, it’s highly unlikely that you and your guests will be able to stop at just one.

• The combination of the rich, velvety smoked salmon with the light, fluffy blinis is a match made in culinary heaven. Indulge in this delicious dish and savour every bite as you bask in the company of friends and loved ones.

Smoked Salmon Blinis

Recipe

(Serves 12 Prep 15mins)

Ingredients:

• 12 x mini pikelets (blinis)
• 125gm cream cheese
• 2 Tbsp capers
• Zest of 1 lemon
• juice of 1 lemon
• zest of 1 lime
• handful of chopped dill (plus extra sprigs to garnish)
• 50g smoked salmon
• Zest 1 lime (optional)
• 1/4 tsp caviar (optional)

Method:

1. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, capers, lemon zest, lemon juice, lime zest, and chopped dill.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Place 2 heaped teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture on each blini.
4. Top each blini with a small folded piece (2cm x 3cm) of smoked salmon.
5. Garnish with additional dill
6. (optional garnish) extra lime zest
7. (optional garnish) 1/4 tsp caviar
8. Serve & enjoy!!

Wine pairing suggestions:

Champagne: A dry Champagne or a Brut Champagne works well. The crisp acidity and bubbles enhance the overall dining experience.

Prosecco: If you prefer something a bit lighter and more budget-friendly, a dry Prosecco from Italy can be a stellar choice.

Sauvignon Blanc: It’s bright acidity and herbal notes can complement the flavours of the smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and dill. Some Australian and NZ options Here

Pinot Grigio: A dry Pinot Grigio from Italy may be a versatile option that won’t overwhelm the delicate flavours of the dish.

Spotlight

Smoked Salmon

The preparation of smoked salmon is an art that involves curing and smoking the fish to perfection. Considered a delicacy in many cultures, smoked salmon is highly regarded for its rich flavour and versatility in culinary applications. This delectable fish is not only packed with high-quality protein, but also provides essential Omega-3 fats that are beneficial for maintaining a healthy diet.

However, it’s important to consume smoked salmon in moderation, as large quantities can potentially lead to an overload of salt in your diet. Finding the right balance in enjoying this exquisite treat is key to fully savouring its unique taste and reaping the nutritional benefits on offer.

I use smoked salmon a lot in my cooking, from canapés & appetisers to risottos.

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