There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of warm, fluffy oladi with a hint of apple sweetness. This classic Russian treat is perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. Simple to make and delightfully satisfying, these little pancakes will bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your table.
Steps
- Combine kefir and water in a small bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. In a separate large bowl, mix the egg, salt, and sugar, then add the warmed kefir and stir until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the flour into the mixture, whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free, resembling thick sour cream. If the batter is too thin, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Mix in the baking soda, then peel, core, and dice the apples. Add the apple pieces to the batter and stir gently.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the skillet and fry for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
- Flip each pancake and fry for an additional minute. Cook the pancakes in batches, frying 5-6 at a time. Ensure there’s enough oil in the skillet to prevent sticking, adding more oil as necessary.
- Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a plate. Continue frying the rest of the batter, replenishing the oil in the skillet as needed. Serve the pancakes warm with your choice of jam, honey, or sour cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of kefir
- 1 egg
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour (or a mix of 1 part whole wheat flour and 1 part all-purpose flour)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (can use cane sugar, brown sugar, or coconut sugar)
- 1-2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, or Daisy variety)
- 2 tablespoons of neutral oil for frying (such as avocado oil or coconut oil)
- A pinch of salt
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2160kcal | Carbohydrates: 322.8g | Protein: 41.4g | Fat: 84g | Saturated Fat: 65.4g | Cholesterol: 192mg | Sodium: 1986mg | Potassium: 1044mg | Fiber: 25.8g | Sugar: 106.8g | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 18mg
FAQ
- Can Oladi be prepared in advance?
- Yes, you can make Oladi ahead of time. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated in the microwave before serving.
- Is there a substitute for kefir in this recipe?
- If you don’t have kefir, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with milk in a 3:1 ratio or replace it with an equal amount of buttermilk.
- Can Oladi be made vegan?
- Absolutely, Oladi can be made vegan by replacing the egg with either ½ a mashed banana or ½ cup of applesauce.
- Is it possible to freeze Oladi?
- It is not recommended to freeze Oladi, especially those made with kefir, as the texture may change once thawed.
- What types of apples are best for Oladi?
- It’s best to use crispy and not overly sweet apples such as Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, or Daisy varieties for making Oladi.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for crisp and not overly sweet apple varieties like Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji to enhance the texture and flavor of your Oladi.
- Achieve the Perfect Batter Consistency: Mix the batter until smooth and lump-free, resembling a dense sour cream. If it’s too thin, gradually add more flour by the tablespoon until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Maintain Crispy Edges: When frying Oladi, ensure the pan has enough oil to prevent sticking and achieve those luscious crispy edges. Consider using neutral oils like avocado or coconut oil without a strong flavor.
- Vegan Alternatives: If you want to make vegan Oladi, substitute the egg with ½ mashed banana or ½ cup applesauce to maintain the binding and texture.
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet or pan – If you don’t have a good quality non-stick skillet or pan, you might consider purchasing one to ensure the pancakes don’t stick and cook evenly.
