Carrot Chorizo Blini recipe

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first stumbled upon the recipe for Carrot Chorizo Blini. Carrot and chorizo together? It sounded a little…unconventional. But being the adventurous cook that I am, and always on the lookout for unique appetizers to impress my family and friends, I decided to give it a whirl. Let me tell you, it was an absolute revelation! From the first bite, we were hooked. The subtle sweetness of the carrot blini, perfectly balanced by the smoky, spicy kick of the chorizo, created a flavor explosion that was both comforting and exciting. My kids, usually picky eaters when it comes to anything remotely vegetable-like, devoured them. My husband, a self-proclaimed chorizo aficionado, declared them “genius.” These little blini are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, and they look absolutely stunning on a platter. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s a little bit different and guaranteed to spark conversation, look no further. These Carrot Chorizo Blini are your answer. Prepare to be amazed!

Ingredients for Carrot Chorizo Blini

This recipe utilizes simple, readily available ingredients, allowing you to create a gourmet appetizer without any fuss. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Carrot Chorizo Blini:

For the Carrot Blini:

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the blini. You can also use whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and added fiber, or a gluten-free blend if needed.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: The leavening agent that makes the blini light and fluffy. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal results.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the carrot.
• 1 large Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness. For a vegan option, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes).
• 1 cup Milk: Adds moisture and creates a smooth batter. Dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work well – choose your preference.
• 1 cup grated Carrots: The star of the blini, adding sweetness, moisture, and vibrant color. Use finely grated carrots for a smoother texture.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For cooking the blini and adding a touch of richness to the batter. You can substitute with other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil.

For the Chorizo Topping:

• 4 oz Chorizo Sausage (Spanish Chorizo, spicy or mild): Provides the smoky, spicy, and savory element that perfectly complements the carrot. Choose between spicy or mild chorizo depending on your preference. For a vegetarian/vegan option, use plant-based chorizo.
• 1 small Onion, finely diced: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic complexity to the topping. Yellow or white onion works best.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for flavor and aroma. Freshly minced garlic is always recommended for the best taste.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For sautéing the chorizo, onion, and garlic.
• 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste: Adds richness, umami, and a slight tanginess to the topping, deepening the chorizo flavor.
• ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky notes of the chorizo and adds a beautiful color. Sweet paprika can be used if you prefer a milder flavor.
• ¼ cup Dry Red Wine (optional): Deglazes the pan and adds complexity and depth of flavor to the topping. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness, color, and a final touch of flavor. Cilantro can also be used.
• Crème Fraîche or Sour Cream (for serving, optional): Provides a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy chorizo and warm blini. Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Carrot Chorizo Blini

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect Carrot Chorizo Blini every time:

Part 1: Making the Carrot Blini Batter

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, resulting in evenly risen blini.
2. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined. Ensure the egg is fully incorporated into the milk for a smooth batter.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking constantly until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough blini. A few lumps are okay.
4. Stir in Grated Carrots: Gently fold in the grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Ensure the carrots are incorporated without overmixing the batter.
5. Rest the Batter (Optional but Recommended): Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a smoother batter and more tender blini. Resting also helps relax the gluten, preventing toughness.

Part 2: Cooking the Carrot Blini

1. Heat a Griddle or Non-Stick Pan: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. The pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles gently. Medium heat prevents the blini from burning before they are cooked through.
2. Cook the Blini: Spoon tablespoons of batter onto the hot griddle, leaving some space between each blini. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature and cause the blini to steam instead of brown.
3. Flip When Bubbles Appear: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. When bubbles start to appear on the surface and the edges look set, it’s time to flip. Use a spatula to gently flip each blini.
4. Keep Warm (Optional): If you’re not serving immediately, keep the cooked blini warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) or in a warming drawer. This prevents them from getting cold and soggy.

Part 3: Preparing the Chorizo Topping

1. Prepare the Chorizo: Remove the chorizo from its casing (if using fresh chorizo) and crumble it. If using cured chorizo, dice it into small pieces. The preparation method depends on the type of chorizo you are using.
2. Sauté Onion and Chorizo: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the chorizo and cook until browned and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Sautéing the onion first allows it to soften and sweeten before the chorizo is added.
3. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Stir in Tomato Paste and Red Wine (Optional): Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then deglaze the pan with red wine (or broth). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, adding depth of flavor to the sauce. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. Simmering allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Part 4: Assembling and Serving the Carrot Chorizo Blini

1. Assemble: Place a spoonful of the chorizo topping onto each warm carrot blini.
2. Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
3. Serve: Serve immediately while the blini are warm and the chorizo topping is hot. Offer crème fraîche or sour cream on the side for dolloping, if desired.

Nutritional Facts for Carrot Chorizo Blini

Please note that these are estimated nutritional values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and chorizo type used. These values are per serving, assuming a serving size of approximately 2-3 blini with topping.

• Servings: Approximately 12-15 blini (depending on size) – this can be considered 4-6 servings as an appetizer (2-3 blini per serving).
• Calories per serving (estimated): 250-350 calories (depending on chorizo type and topping amount).

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving (estimated):

• Protein: 10-15g
• Fat: 15-25g (can vary significantly based on chorizo type)
• Saturated Fat: 5-10g (depending on chorizo type)
• Cholesterol: 50-70mg
• Sodium: 400-600mg (can vary significantly based on chorizo type)
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-8g (naturally occurring from carrots and a small amount from other ingredients)

Important Note: For a more accurate nutritional analysis, use a nutrition calculator app or website and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. The chorizo component significantly influences the fat and sodium content. Plant-based chorizo will drastically reduce saturated fat and cholesterol.

Preparation Time for Carrot Chorizo Blini

• Prep Time: 25 minutes (includes grating carrots, dicing onion, mincing garlic, and batter preparation)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (includes blini cooking and chorizo topping preparation)
• Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes

This recipe is relatively quick and easy, making it perfect for both planned gatherings and last-minute get-togethers. You can even prepare the chorizo topping ahead of time and reheat it before serving, saving you time on the day of your event. The blini batter can also be made a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated.

How to Serve Carrot Chorizo Blini

Carrot Chorizo Blini are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for different occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As an Appetizer:
  • Arrange the blini beautifully on a platter.
  • Garnish generously with fresh parsley for visual appeal.
  • Serve warm for cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, or dinner parties.
  • Pair with a light and crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a Spanish Albariño.
• As Brunch Bites:
  • Serve as part of a brunch spread alongside other savory and sweet options.
  • Offer with a side of scrambled eggs or a frittata for a more substantial brunch.
  • Consider adding a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream for a richer brunch experience.
• As a Light Lunch or Snack:
  • Enjoy a few blini for a satisfying and flavorful light lunch or afternoon snack.
  • Serve with a side salad for a more balanced meal.
• Creative Serving Ideas:
  • Blini Bar: Set up a blini bar with bowls of carrot blini, chorizo topping, and various other toppings like different cheeses (goat cheese, feta), olives, roasted red peppers, and sauces. Let your guests customize their own blini.
  • Mini Blini Bites: Make smaller, bite-sized blini for easy finger food at parties.
  • Vertical Presentation: Stack the blini and chorizo topping vertically for a more modern and elegant presentation.

Additional Tips for Perfect Carrot Chorizo Blini

To ensure your Carrot Chorizo Blini are a resounding success, keep these helpful tips in mind:

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough blini. Mix until just combined, and a few lumps are perfectly fine. A rested batter will smooth out naturally.
2. Use Fresh Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise and fluffiness. Old baking powder may not be as effective, resulting in flat blini.
3. Control the Heat: Cook the blini over medium heat to ensure they cook through without burning. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chorizo topping before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
5. Make Ahead Components: Save time by making the chorizo topping ahead of time (up to 2 days) and storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving. The blini batter can also be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated. Cook the blini just before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Carrot Chorizo Blini

Here are some common questions people ask about making Carrot Chorizo Blini:

Q1: Can I make these blini gluten-free?

A: Yes, absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for structure. Follow the recipe as directed, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free Carrot Chorizo Blini.

Q2: Can I make these blini vegetarian or vegan?

A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan. For vegetarian, ensure you are using vegetarian chorizo. For vegan, use plant-based chorizo and substitute the egg in the blini batter with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes). Use plant-based milk as well. The flavor will remain wonderfully delicious and satisfying.

Q3: Can I use different types of chorizo?

A: Yes, the beauty of this recipe is its adaptability! You can use different types of chorizo based on your preference. Spanish chorizo (either spicy or mild) is traditional and highly recommended for its smoky and flavorful profile. Mexican chorizo can also be used, but it has a different spice blend and texture. Experiment to find your favorite!

Q4: Can I freeze the Carrot Chorizo Blini?

A: It’s best to freeze the blini and chorizo topping separately. Cook the blini and let them cool completely. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. The chorizo topping can be frozen in an airtight container. To serve, reheat the chorizo topping and warm the blini in the oven or toaster oven until heated through. While freezing is possible, freshly made blini are always best for optimal texture.

Q5: What are some other topping variations for these blini?

A: While chorizo is fantastic, you can explore other toppings to customize your blini. Consider these options:

• Smoked Salmon and Dill Crème Fraîche: For a classic and elegant topping.
• Roasted Red Pepper and Feta: For a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Mushroom and Gruyere: For a savory and earthy combination.
• Spicy Black Bean and Corn Salsa: For a vegetarian and vibrant option.
• Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese: For a sweet and savory delight.

Get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors to create unique and delicious blini variations!

Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Carrot Chorizo Blini! They are sure to become a new favorite appetizer for any occasion.

Print