Maslenitsa, also known as Pancake Week, is celebrated across Russia, marking the end of winter and welcoming spring. This festive holiday embraces the culinary tradition of making pancakes, known as bliny, which come with various fillings and toppings. Individuals and families gather to prepare and eat these delicious treats, making it both a gastronomic delight and a culturally rich experience.
Various local leaders and residents shared their thoughts and favorite recipes as Maslenitsa approached this year. Ulyanovsk's mayor, Alexander Boldakin, expressed his fondness for meat and cottage cheese-filled pancakes. "Maslenitsa is one of my favorite traditional holidays. Pancakes, of course, are the main dish. My wife usually makes them without yeast, using milk or kefir. We enjoy them with various fillings, especially with meat and cottage cheese or just honey for dessert," he said. This reflects his commitment to preserving the traditions of the celebration.
Meanwhile, Ilya Nozhechkin, the chairman of Ulyanovsk’s State Duma, shared his family's pancake rituals, saying, "We cherish the cultural traditions of Maslenitsa, and I enjoy thin pancakes with condensed milk and sour cream, just like I did as a child. My family loves pancakes every day, and my son prefers them with chocolate, and my daughter with sweet fillings. It's about passing down these traditions through generations." It's clear from his words how these pancake traditions provide cherished family bonding moments.
For many, the fun of preparing pancakes isn’t only about the taste; it’s also about trying new recipes. For example, Dmitry Malykh, another local legislator, revealed his plans to have pancakes with strawberry jam during the holiday, even as he attends the main pediatrics congress. This shows the ability to blend work and tradition, highlighting the importance of food during the holiday celebrations.
Then there’s the creative culinary aspect showcased by Alexander Shcherbina, who promotes gluten-free pancakes made by his wife, Ekaterina. The couple’s recipe consists of simple ingredients including kefir, milk, and eggs, with the choice of various flours, demonstrating the adaptability of traditional recipes to cater to dietary needs. "These pancakes are not only delicious but also visually appealing!" he exclaimed.
Maslenitsa's festive spirit also encourages innovative pancake variations. Chef Marina Petuk shared her version of pancakes made with colorful fillings—beet juice for red pancakes, spinach for green, and carrot juice for orange. "These pancakes are perfect for snacks, pairing well with meat and fish. They are tasty, vibrant, and fun!" she advised. Her dedication to experimenting aligns with the health-conscious trends, as she shared methods to reduce calorie intake by using healthier fillings like baked apples with cinnamon instead of traditional sugary options.
Local culinary enthusiasts have taken to online platforms to explore and share their pancake recipes. Food.ru recently revealed the top three favorite pancake recipes of Muscovites, noting one recipe for thin pancakes has been viewed over 11,000 times. The basic ingredients are straightforward: flour, eggs, milk, and water. Yet it’s the technique—ensuring the batter is smooth and cooked on hot pans—that makes them so desirable.
Among these traditional choices, cheese-filled pancakes shine as favorites, as residents often enjoy them with various toppings like jam or condensed milk. Yet, cabbages and zucchini have made their way onto the breakfast table with popular recipes for cabbage pancakes, showcasing just how versatile this staple dish can be.
Cooking classes have increasingly adopted this culinary art, with many young chefs learning from seasoned mentors. Marina Petuk remarked on the joy of instructing her students on preparing these savory treats: "It’s about more than just cooking; it’s about creating something delightful and making memories along the way." Her students have become adept at making lace-like pancakes, incorporating creativity with traditional techniques.
Although modern convenience could suggest the disappearance of age-old recipes, many are still cherishing grandmother’s recipes and sharing their love for pancakes with the next generation. Health expert Regina Akhunyanova highlighted the benefits of lighter fillings during the holiday, steering away from sugary options to healthier alternatives like baked apples and natural yogurt. This shows how Maslenitsa can evolve to embrace modern diets.
The rich tradition of making pancakes is not only about the end result — it’s about the love, care, and family moments shared during the process. "Whatever pancake you make, it becomes special if prepared with love and presented with joy," Petuk reminded us.
This Maslenitsa, families and friends will gather around the table, flipping pancakes and celebrating with their cherished fillings and toppings, honoring both the past and their present. The holiday is not just about food; it’s about community, warmth, and welcoming spring together, ensuring these delicious pancakes continue to nourish both body and soul.