There’s something undeniably glamorous about serving tiny, perfect bites at a celebration. This recipe is my vegetarian take on the classic pairing of blinis with caviar, swapping in brilliant pearls of seaweed caviar for a compassionate touch of luxury. The bright, zesty Meyer lemon syrup cuts through the rich crème fraîche, all bundled in a delicate, chive-flecked crêpe. It’s the kind of appetizer that elevates an evening, just like popping a great bottle of bubbly!
Ingredients
• SERVES 12
• Crêpes
• 1¼ cups / 300 ml milk
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons / 30 g butter, melted
• ½ cup / 65 g all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons minced fresh chives
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Meyer Lemon Syrup & Toppings
• ½ cup / 120 ml water
• ½ cup / 100 g sugar
• ¼ cup / 60 ml freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
• 8 ounces / 225 g crème fraîche, whipped
• 1½ teaspoons minced fresh chives
• Grated zest of 1 Meyer lemon
• 4 ounces / 115 g vegetarian seaweed caviar (kelp pearls)
Instructions
1. For the Crêpes
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Sift in the flour and whisk thoroughly until the batter is smooth. Stir in the chives and salt.
3. Heat a nonstick 6-inch / 15 cm sauté pan over medium-high heat. Pour in just enough batter to thinly coat the bottom of the pan and cook until the top is set, about one minute.
4. Flip the crêpe and cook the other side for another 4 to 5 seconds. The crêpe should be pale, not browned. Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the finished crêpes on a plate.
5. For the Syrup
6. Combine the water, sugar, and Meyer lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
7. Reduce the heat and let it gently simmer until it becomes a thin syrup. Remove from the heat and let it cool completely to room temperature. The syrup will thicken as it cools.
8. To Serve
9. Lay a crêpe flat and place a small spoonful of whipped crème fraîche in the center. Sprinkle with a few minced chives.
10. Roll the crêpe into a small, neat package and place it on your serving platter. Repeat for all crêpes.
11. Just before serving, sprinkle the rolled crêpes with fresh Meyer lemon zest, drizzle with a small amount of the lemon syrup, and top each with a delicate quenelle of vegetarian caviar.
Nutritional Information
• (Per serving, approximate)
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 13g
• Sodium: 250mg
Pro Tips
• For the smoothest crêpe batter, let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender crêpes.
• The crêpes can be made up to 2 days ahead. Stack them with parchment paper in between, wrap tightly, and refrigerate. You can also freeze them for up to a month.
• When whipping the crème fraîche, be careful not to over-whip it, or it will turn into butter. Whisk just until it holds soft peaks.
• Meyer lemons have a sweeter, more floral taste than regular lemons. If you can’t find them, use a mix of half regular lemon juice and half mandarin orange juice to approximate the flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this vegetarian caviar appetizer vegan
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be fully vegan. For the crêpes, use a plant-based milk like oat or soy, a vegan egg replacer, and vegan butter. For the topping, substitute the crème fraîche with a store-bought vegan sour cream or a homemade whipped cashew cream.
Q: Where can I find vegetarian seaweed caviar
A: Vegetarian seaweed caviar, also known as kelp pearls, is typically found in specialty food stores, the gourmet or international aisle of larger supermarkets, or online from various retailers. It provides a similar texture and briny pop to traditional caviar without any animal products.
Q: How far in advance can I prepare these crêpes
A: This is a great make-ahead appetizer for parties. The crêpes can be cooked up to 2 days in advance. Stack them with a small piece of parchment paper between each one, wrap the stack tightly, and refrigerate. The Meyer lemon syrup can also be made and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Q: What is a good substitute for crème fraîche in this recipe
A: If you can’t find crème fraîche, you can use full-fat sour cream as a direct substitute. For a slightly lighter option, thick, full-fat Greek yogurt also works well, though it will have a tangier flavor. Whip either substitute gently just as you would the crème fraîche.
