These Ukrainian Pancakes are a wonderful way to start the day topped with powdered sugar and a schmear of jam but they would be equally as good as a start to a dinner party topped with smoked salmon or a dollop of caviar.
I was inspired to make Syrniki after reading Red Sparrow by Jason Matthews.....
Our Cook the Books selection for February/March was a spy novel chosen by Simona of Briciole. When she invited us to join in this selection she asked had we ever read a spy novel that contained recipes. I do read spy novels and they do have food, however, I don't recall any having recipes.
Thoroughly blend soft goat cheese, eggs, sugar, salt and flour into a sticky dough. Refrigerate. Drop small balls of the dough into flour, coat well, and flatten into think discs. Fry in melted butter over medium heat until golden. Serve with sour cream, caviar, smoked fish, or jam.
A google search for Syrniki supplied a plethora of recipes both from Ukraine and from Russia. I read through them and am sharing my final version, hopefully a little more succinctly than the one provided in the novel.
The recipe I am sharing makes 12 pancakes or 4 servings. They were delicious. I just sprinkled them with powdered sugar and we started eating them as the next batch cooked. They were delicious without any other toppings and as good cold a couple of hours later as they were warm.
Syrniki (Ukranian Fritters)
Ingredients
- 10 oz. Farmers cheese, crumbled
- 2 eggs
- 5 T. canola oil, divided
- 4 T. sugar
- 3/4 c. flour + more for rolling
- 1/2 t. baking powder
- 1/2 t. vanilla paste
- powdered sugar for sprinkling
- toppings of choice, if desired
Instructions
- Place the cheese, eggs, sugar, 2 Tablespoons of the oil and vanilla in a bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low until combined.
- Add the flour and baking powder and mix just until it sticks together in a sticky mass.
- Place a piece of parchment onto the counter and put a handful of flour into the center. Take a small handful of the dough and form it into a ball. Roll the ball in the flour and then press it with the palm of your hand onto the parchment to flatten. Repeat until all dough is used.
- Heat the remaining 3 Tablespoons of oil in a cast iron skillet. When hot add the pancakes in batches cooking for until browned and crisped on one side. Flip and cook the other side. Remove to a plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
337.21Fat (grams)
25.51Sat. Fat (grams)
5.52Carbs (grams)
14.64Fiber (grams)
0Net carbs
14.64Sugar (grams)
14.38Protein (grams)
12.2Sodium (milligrams)
375.85Cholesterol (grams)
105.23
I saw the movie Red Sparrow. Quite interesting. The bundt cake and Ukranian pancakes look delicious. Hope your St Patrick's Day was fun !
ReplyDeleteIt was Cathy, I hope yours was as well.
DeleteWendy, I just finished the book and whilke it's been ages since I jjoined in at Cook the Books, I plan to get my post together this time.
ReplyDeleteI love that you made a dish with Ukrainan roots, I feel awful for the people there.
Glad you are going to join us Tina. My heart breaks for the people of Ukraine.
DeleteI'm so glad you made the pancakes, Wendy. They are also on my to-try list. Reading certain passages, it is hard to believe it was not written this year. Thank you so much for contributing to this edition of Cook the Books :)
ReplyDeleteI know, it was kind of eerie, reading about his evilness as we live it in our world right now.
DeleteI found the movie and the novel quite different in tone (and endings). I did enjoy the novel but like you, it was quite odd trying to read it with what was playing out in Ukraine. Glad you posted the sunflowers. great recipe and must try.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debra, they turned out lovely.
DeleteMy family being from Eastern Europe, I thought I knew all about pastries such as this, but not -- this looks like a great way to start the day!
ReplyDeleteSo good. Enjoy.
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