Whenever I think of comfort food that wraps you in a warm hug, Ukrainian syrniki comes to mind. These fluffy cheese pancakes are like little clouds of joy on your plate—crispy on the outside, soft inside, and perfect with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of honey. I once made them on a rainy Sunday morning, and the aroma alone had my neighbors wondering what magic was happening in my kitchen.
Steps
- Combine the cheese, eggs, 3/4 cup of flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, mix baking soda with vinegar and let it fizz, then incorporate this into the cheese mixture.
- Use a hand-held electric mixer to blend everything until smooth, then gently stir in the raisins.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Place 1/2 cup of flour in a small bowl. Scoop a generous tablespoon of the cheese batter, coat it in flour, and gently dust off any excess using floured hands.
- Once the oil is hot, shape the batter into patties and place them directly onto the skillet. Cook each side until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a plate and serve with toppings of your choice, such as sour cream, fruit, or powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 15 ounces (approximately 2 cups) of farmer’s cheese (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus an additional 1/2 cup for coating
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 cup raisins
- 2-3 tablespoons extra light olive oil per batch
- Fresh fruit or jam
- Sour cream
- Powdered sugar
FAQ
- What type of cheese is used in Ukrainian Syrniki?
- Ukrainian Syrniki is traditionally made with farmer’s cheese, also known as tvorog. You can use either homemade or store-bought cheese for this recipe.
- How are the pancakes cooked?
- The pancakes are cooked in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat with 2-3 tablespoons of extra light olive oil. Each side is sautéed until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Can I add any additional ingredients to the batter?
- Yes, raisins are commonly added to the batter to enhance the flavor. However, you can modify the recipe to suit your taste.
- What toppings are recommended for serving Syrniki?
- Popular toppings for Syrniki include fresh fruit, jam, sour cream, and powdered sugar, but you can choose any topping you prefer.
- Is there a specific method for preparing the cheese mixture?
- Yes, first mix the cheese, eggs, flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, then use a hand mixer to achieve a uniform consistency, incorporating raisins afterward.
Tips
- To achieve a consistent texture, use a hand-held electric mixer for blending the cheese mixture until smooth, but expect some small cheese clumps to remain.
- When handling the sticky cheese dough, generously flour your hands and the surface of the dough to prevent it from sticking, making it easier to form the pancakes.
- Ensure the skillet and oil are hot before adding the pancakes to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior; cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- For a personalized touch, serve the finished syrniki with your choice of toppings such as fresh fruit, jam, sour cream, or powdered sugar.
Equipment
- Hand-held Electric Mixer – For mixing the cheese mixture to a uniform consistency.
- Non-stick Skillet – A large non-stick skillet is essential for cooking the syrniki evenly without sticking.
- Ice Cream Scoop – Useful for portioning the cheese mixture into even patties.
