Oladyi
Russian Small Pancakes
Oladyi are small, thick, and incredibly fluffy Russian pancakes, perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch. They are traditionally made with kefir, which gives them a unique tender crumb and a slight tang.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 ml Kefir(Room temperature is best for activating the leavening agents. If you don't have kefir, buttermilk or plain yogurt thinned with a little milk can be substituted.)
- 2 Eggs(Large eggs, lightly beaten.)
- 2 tbsp Sugar(Adjust to your sweetness preference.)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(Enhances flavor.)
- 300 g All-purpose flour(Approximately 2.5 cups. Sifted for a lighter texture.)
- 1 tsp Baking soda(Crucial for fluffiness. Ensure it's fresh.)
- for frying Vegetable oil or butter(Such as sunflower or canola oil.)
- for serving Sour cream, jam, honey, or fresh berries(Traditional accompaniments.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the room temperature kefir, lightly beaten eggs, sugar, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be smooth.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Gradually add the sifted flour to the wet ingredients, whisking continuously until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are acceptable. The batter should be quite thick, similar to a very thick pancake batter or a pourable dough.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Gently stir in the baking soda. You might notice a slight fizzing reaction as it interacts with the kefir, which is normal and helps create the fluffy texture. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes; it will thicken further.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick frying pan over medium heat (around 180°C / 350°F). The pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.
- 5
Using a tablespoon or a small ladle, carefully drop portions of the thick batter onto the hot griddle, forming small, round pancakes about 2-3 inches in diameter. Leave some space between them as they will puff up.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes per batch - 6
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up. You'll see small bubbles forming on the surface before flipping. Use a spatula to gently flip them. Cook the second side until golden brown and cooked through.
⏱️ 4-6 minutes per batch - 7
Remove the cooked oladyi from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding a little more oil to the pan between batches if needed.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 8
Serve the warm oladyi immediately with a dollop of sour cream, your favorite jam, honey, or fresh berries.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The batter should be very thick; if it's too thin, your oladyi won't be as fluffy. Add a tablespoon more flour if needed.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches for best results.
- ✓Ensure your baking soda is fresh for maximum lift.
- ✓Serve immediately for the best texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely grated apple or pear to the batter along with the flour.
- Gently fold in fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) into the batter just before frying.
- For a savory version, omit sugar and add herbs like dill or chives.