Blini are small, fluffy pancakes from Russia, traditionally made with buckwheat flour and yeast. They're thinner than American pancakes but thicker than French crepes, with a slightly spongy texture that makes them perfect for holding toppings.

Russians have made blini for over a thousand years, and they're especially popular during Maslenitsa, a week-long festival celebrating the end of winter. During this celebration, families make stacks of blini and top them with butter, sour cream, jam, honey, or caviar (fish eggs that some people consider a delicacy). The round, golden shape of blini traditionally symbolized the sun returning after the long, dark Russian winter.

Today, people around the world enjoy blini as appetizers or snacks. You might find them at a party topped with smoked salmon and a dollop of sour cream, or served simply with butter and jam. While they take a bit more work to make than regular pancakes because of the yeast, many cooks think the light, tangy flavor is worth it.

The word is pronounced “BLEE-nee,” and one pancake by itself is called a blin.