A blintze, also known as a blintz, is a delicate and versatile dish that originated in Eastern European cuisines. It is typically a thin, crepe-like pancake made from a batter consisting of wheat flour, eggs, milk, and sometimes sugar or flavors like vanilla. The batter is spread thinly in a pan and cooked until light golden. Blintze can be sweet or savory, depending on the filling used.
In its sweet form, blintzes are most commonly filled with fruit preserves, such as sweetened cottage cheese mixed with a hint of lemon zest or cream cheese combined with vanilla essence. These fillings enhance the blintze's delicate flavor and provide a luscious and creamy texture. They are usually rolled or folded into an envelope-like shape, and then baked or pan-fried until golden and lightly crisp.
The savory variety of blintzes often involves a filling made from cooked meat, such as ground beef or chicken, mixed with onion, spices, and sometimes mushrooms. These hearty fillings are usually seasoned with herbs like dill or parsley, and the blintzes are then rolled up and baked or pan-fried until the edges become crispy and golden.
Blintzes are commonly served as a main dish, side dish, or dessert. They can be garnished with various sauces or toppings like sour cream, fruit compote, or powdered sugar. Due to their versatility, blintzes have become an iconic dish enjoyed by people around the world as part of Jewish, Russian, or Eastern European culinary traditions.
