Skip to main content

Beluga Lentil Caviar on Blini

4.4

(2)

Image may contain Plant Food Dish Meal Vegetable Produce Lentil and Bean
Beluga Lentil Caviar on BliniQuentin Bacon

This appetizer is a total fake-out and a lot of fun to serve. Ellen and Portia absolutely loved these the first time I served them. They both had fond memories attached to caviar, and this recipe brought back those fun times without compromising their vegan diet. Serve these little morsels with a glass of Champagne and share them with some cool friends.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 18 blini

Ingredients

Beluga Lentil Caviar

1/2 cup black beluga lentils
2 cups water
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons minced capers, packed in brine
2 tablespoons brine from the caper jar

Vegan Sour "Cream"

4 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Miso Mayo or white miso paste

Blini

1/2 cup buckwheat flour
1/2 cup organic, unbleached, all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/4 cups nondairy milk (almond, soy, or rice)
3 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
Vegan butter or nonstick cooking spray, as needed
1/2 bunch fresh chives, minced for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Make the beluga lentil caviar: Rinse the lentils and put them in a small pot with the water. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft.

    Step 2

    Drain the cooked lentils and place them in medium bowl. Add the salt, capers, and caper brine. Mix well and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, and a maxi¬mum of 2 days.

    Step 3

    Make the vegan sauce: Mix the vegan mayonnaise with the Miso Mayo in a small bowl and refrigerate until needed.

    Step 4

    Make the blini: In a medium bowl, combine the flours and baking powder. Whisk the nondairy milk and melted butter into the flour until a batter forms. Allow the batter to rest a few minutes.

    Step 5

    Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add a small dab of butter to the pan or spray it with nonstick cooking spray. To form each blin, pour a little more than a tablespoon of batter into the pan. You can usually cook 4 to 6 blini at a time. Wait until the pancakes begin to show air bubbles all over the tops and the bottoms are brown. Flip the blini over and cook until golden brown.

    Step 6

    Using the back of a spoon, spread a small amount of the Vegan Sour "Cream" on each blin, add a teaspoon of the beluga lentil caviar, and top with a pinch of minced chives. Serve immediately.

From Vegan Cooking for Carnivores: Over 125 Recipes So Tasty You Won't Miss the Meat by Roberto Martin. Copyright © 2012 by Roberto Martin; photographs copyright © 2012 Quentin Bacon. Used by arrangement with Grand Central Publishing. All rights reserved.

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
This pasta starring summer corn achieves its savory, creamy sauce thanks to one special ingredient: buttermilk powder.
This fast stir-fry dish pairs minced pork and fragrant basil with hot Thai chiles and a crispy fried egg.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Juicy steak, crisp lettuce, and a blender dressing come together for a breezy summer dinner.
This frozen cocktail uses instant espresso for a strong flavor and unbeatable convenience.