Syrniki (Belarusian Farmer's Cheese Pancakes)
Delicate, slightly sweet pancakes made from tvorog (farmer's cheese), flour, eggs, and sugar. They are pan-fried until golden brown and typically served for breakfast or dessert with jam, sour cream, or fresh berries.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Tvorog (farmer's cheese)(well-drained, preferably dry)
- 1 large Egg
- 2-3 tbsp Sugar(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Vanilla sugar(optional)
- 3-4 tbsp All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- for frying Vegetable oil or butter
- for serving Sour cream, jam, or fresh berries
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine the drained tvorog, egg, sugar, and vanilla sugar (if using). Mix well until smooth.
💡 Tip: Ensure the tvorog is as dry as possible to prevent syrniki from becoming too soft. - 2
Add the flour and salt to the tvorog mixture. Stir until just combined. The dough should be soft but hold its shape.
💡 Tip: Avoid overmixing, which can make the syrniki tough. - 3
Lightly flour a clean surface. Take about 2 tablespoons of dough and gently shape it into a small patty, about 1.5-2 cm thick. You can use a cookie cutter for uniform shapes.
- 4
Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
💡 Tip: Medium heat is important to cook them through without burning. - 5
Carefully place the syrniki into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
💡 Tip: Adjust heat as needed to maintain a steady, moderate temperature. - 6
Remove the syrniki from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- 7
Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, fruit jam, honey, or fresh berries.
💡 Tip: A dollop of sour cream is a classic accompaniment.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use good quality, dry tvorog for the best results.
- ✓If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour, but sparingly.
- ✓Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent the pan from getting too crowded.
🔄 Variations
- Add raisins or finely chopped dried apricots to the dough.
- For a lighter version, bake the syrniki instead of frying.