Syrniki
Russian Farmer Cheese Pancakes
Syrniki are delightful, slightly sweet pancakes made from farmer cheese (tvorog). They are a popular breakfast or dessert item in Russia and Eastern Europe, offering a tender, slightly tangy interior with a beautifully golden-brown exterior. This recipe provides a simple yet authentic way to enjoy this childhood favorite.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Tvorog (farmer cheese)(Ensure the tvorog is as dry as possible. If it's very wet, press it through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove excess moisture.)
- 2 large Eggs
- 3 tbsp Granulated Sugar(Adjust to your sweetness preference. You can also use powdered sugar.)
- 4 tbsp All-purpose Flour(Plus more for dusting and shaping. Do not add too much flour, as it can make the syrniki tough.)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional)(For added flavor.)
- 1/4 tsp Salt(Enhances the flavors.)
- 2-3 tbsp Vegetable Oil or Butter(For frying. A combination of both can also be used.)
- for serving Sour Cream(Traditional accompaniment. Jam, honey, or fresh berries are also excellent.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Tvorog Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the dry tvorog, eggs, sugar, 4 tablespoons of flour, salt, and vanilla extract (if using). Use a fork or a spatula to mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix. The mixture should be thick but slightly sticky. If it seems too wet, add another tablespoon of flour, but be cautious not to add too much.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Shape the Syrniki: Lightly flour a clean work surface or a plate. Take about 2 tablespoons of the tvorog mixture and gently roll it into a ball. Then, flatten the ball into a thick patty, about 1.5-2 cm (about 3/4 inch) thick. You can use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to create neat, uniform shapes if desired. Dust each formed syrnik lightly with flour on both sides.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 3
Fry the Syrniki: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (or butter is melted and slightly foamy), carefully place several syrniki into the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, until they are a deep golden brown and cooked through. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 4
Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked syrniki to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining syrniki, adding more oil or butter to the skillet as needed. Serve the syrniki warm, accompanied by a dollop of sour cream, your favorite jam, honey, or fresh berries.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to good syrniki is dry tvorog. Excess moisture will make the batter too wet, requiring more flour, which can lead to a tougher texture.
- ✓Avoid overmixing the batter. Mix only until the ingredients are combined to keep the syrniki tender.
- ✓Fry over medium heat. If the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. If it's too low, they might absorb too much oil.
- ✓For a smoother texture, you can pass the tvorog through a meat grinder or blend it briefly before mixing.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of raisins (soaked briefly in hot water and drained) to the tvorog mixture.
- Incorporate 1 teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest for a citrusy note.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- For a lighter texture, use a mix of tvorog and ricotta cheese.