Magnificent Russian Brunch: Scrumptious Herbed Kefir Pancakes & Velvety Smoked Salmon

Our Magnificent Russian Brunch recipe combines scrumptious herbed kefir pancakes and velvety smoked salmon in a delectable meal perfect for weekend brunches. With an Intermediate difficulty level and serving 4, this dish is sure to impress guests with its mouthwatering aroma, texture, and presentation. Discover more about this delightful recipe and its cultural significance in our accompanying article.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes - Cook Time: 20 minutes - Total Time: 35 minutes

🍽 Servings: 4

🔥 Difficulty: Intermediate

🌎 Cuisine: Russian

Allergens

Eggs, Dairy (Kefir and Sour Cream)

Ingredients

1. 1 cup all
purpose flour 2. 2 large eggs, separated 3. 1 ½ cups kefir 4. 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 5. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 6. 1 teaspoon baking powder 7. Salt and pepper, to taste 8. 1 pound smoked salmon 9. 1 cup sour cream 10. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 11. 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, combine kefir, egg yolks, dill, and parsley.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until just combined.
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the batter.
Preheat a non stick skillet over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter per pancake and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown. Repeat for all pancakes.
In a separate dish, mix together sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve alongside smoked salmon.
Assemble pancakes by placing them on plates, topping with a generous portion of smoked salmon, and finishing with a dollop of the flavored sour cream.

Chef’s Insight

The combination of tangy kefir and fragrant herbs creates a unique flavor that complements the richness of smoked salmon, making this dish a truly unforgettable experience.

Notes

To emphasize the visual appeal of this dish, use a variety of herbs in different shades of green. Presentation is key when creating a Russian brunch that's as impressive as it is delicious.

Substitutions

1. For gluten-free pancakes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. 2. If kefir is unavailable, replace with a mixture of equal parts yogurt and milk. 3. Swap smoked salmon for smoked trout or lox for an alternative protein option.

Alternative Preparations

1. Create mini pancakes to serve as appetizers at a brunch party. 2. Assemble pancake bites with cream cheese, capers, and smoked salmon for a finger food option. 3. Top pancakes with poached eggs for a heartier meal.

Alternative Methods

1. Prepare pancakes on a griddle instead of using a skillet. 2. Bake the pancakes in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for 8-10 minutes per side, until golden brown. 3. Use a crepe pan to create thin and delicate crepes instead of fluffy pancakes.

Best Storage Practice

Store leftover smoked salmon in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, for up to one week. Store leftover herbed kefir pancakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Shelf Life

Pancake batter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Plating Tips

Place pancakes on plates in a circular arrangement, with salmon evenly distributed among them. Drizzle flavored sour cream over the top and garnish with fresh herbs.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (excluding sour cream), this dish provides approximately 400 calories, 15g of protein, and 26g of fat. The flavored sour cream will add additional calories and fat depending on portion size.