Green Valley Organics: Russian Kefir Blini

Recently, I was very fortunate to receive sample products from Green Valley Organics, lactose free dairy products including kefir, yogurt, and sour cream. These products do contain cow's milk, but by adding the natural enzyme lactase during production, the lactose is removed. As a result, lactose-intolerant people can enjoy creamy and delicious dairy products without any problems. All of Green Valley Organics products are very high quality, gluten-free, kosher, Certified Humane Raised and Handled, and contain no GMOs.



The first product I chose to explore was Kefir. There were two kinds: Blueberry-Pom-Acai and plain. The Blueberry-Pom-Acai Kefir was incredible and tasted like a berry smoothie. I only had half a cup of it, and my daughter and her friend drank the rest for their snack, and really loved this Kefir.



As I was thinking of what to make with the plain Kefir, I remembered that the last time I drank any kind of Kefir was back when I was growing up in former Soviet Union. There, Kefir is very popular, both as a drink and to use in various recipes. I was about to visit my parents, my mom suggested that we make Russian Kefir Blini, which her former classmate that now lives in Moscow recently told her about.



These Blini are very different from traditional yeast based Russian Blini as well as from other kinds of Russian-style pancakes such as "olad'iy" or "blinchiki". The Kefir Blini have a very unique smooth and delicate texture and wonderfully delicious. We served the Blini with Strawberry Agave syrup, Fresh Strawberries, and Green Valley Organics Vanilla yogurt. The yogurt was rich and creamy yet naturally low fat and not too sweet. It was a nice pairing with the Kefir Blini.



Ingredients:

2 eggs
1 1/2 cups plain Kefir
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 hot water
1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directons:

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs quickly, then add sugar, salt, hot water, and flour, one at a time while continuing to whisk. The mixture should have a consistency of sour cream. Cover with a tea towel and let the batter rest for 30 minutes at a room temperature.

Mix in baking powder, then add vegetable oil. On a griddle (adding a little butter or spraying with a cooking spray whenever necessary), pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter to form rounds and fry until golden on both sides.

Serve with syrup, yogurt, and strawberries.



More recipes with Green Valley Organics products will be featured in the next few posts!

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