How to Make Russian Tacos

Nope, I didn't switch the photos. Those are actually blini, or a Russian version of crepes. After trying various substitutes for taco shells, my roommate decided to serve the filling in blini, and it has become one of my favorites.

The blini are soft enough to fold up and thick enough to hold the filling in. They can be reheated and can also be heated up a saucepan or the oven to get a crunchy effect, a la chimichangas.



Ingredients:
(Blini)
1 c flour
1 1/2 c milk (buttermilk, kefir...)
2 eggs
1 tsp oil
1/4 tsp salt
(Beef taco filling)
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
your favorite taco seasoning
your favorite toppings (salsa, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, olives, herbs, lettuce, etc.)

Other potential fillings:
-ham and cheese
-tomatoes and cheese
-refried beans
-potatoes and mushrooms
-shredded chicken and toppings
-jam and honey
-bananas and chocolate/nutella
-sour cream with any of the above :)

Directions:

(Timing: You can decide for yourself what to make first. I personally think both the pancakes and the fillings taste fine reheated. You could make the pancakes first and then keep them warm in the oven while making the fillings. It's up to you).

1) Blini: Mix first 4 ingredients with wire whisk, then add salt. Ladle a spoonful of batter into hot, lightly greased frying pan. Lift and tilt so that batter spreads in pan. Can have 2 pans going at once. Cook until set and underside begins to brown; slide onto serving plate and cover to keep warm. Optional: butter them as you go so they stay soft and don't stick together.

2) Ground beef: Add meat to frying pan and brown for 1 minute, then add onion and garlic and cook together until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add spices, tomato paste, and 1/2 c water, simmer until ready to serve.

3) Assembly: Place beef mixture with toppings in center of pancake, fold up, and enjoy!

I have to confess that I'm not great at making blini myself. :) So when my roommate isn't around, I make flour tortillas, which are also good for quesadillas and other quick meals.