Description
Traditional Ukrainian cottage cheese pancakes that are soft, lightly sweet, and golden on the outside. Often served with sour cream, jam, or honey, these syrniki offer a delicious and comforting breakfast option with a perfect balance of creamy and crispy textures.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 250 g farmer’s cheese or cottage cheese (well drained)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons flour (plus extra for dusting)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until combined smoothly.
- Add flour gradually: Incorporate the flour slowly, 3 to 4 tablespoons as needed, until a soft dough forms that is moist but holds shape.
- Shape the syrniki: Divide the dough into small portions and shape each into a small patty or pancake. Lightly dust each patty with flour to prevent sticking.
- Heat the pan: Warm 2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat to ensure even frying.
- Fry the syrniki: Place the patties in the skillet and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm with traditional accompaniments like sour cream, jam, or honey for added flavor and sweetness.
Notes
- Do not add too much flour to keep the syrniki soft and tender.
- Ensure the cheese is well drained to avoid excess moisture which can make the dough too wet.
- For a savory variation, reduce the sugar or omit it entirely.
- Use a non-stick skillet for best results to prevent sticking during frying.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture, as syrniki can harden slightly on cooling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Ukrainian