Ingredients

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

Method

  • 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.
  • 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 maximum of 2 days.
  • Mix the vegan mayonnaise with the Miso Mayo in a small bowl and refrigerate until needed.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.