Syrnyky (Ukrainian Cottage Cheese Pancakes)
Local name: Сирники
In short: Pan-fried pancakes of farmer's cheese, egg and a little flour, crisp and golden outside and soft inside, served with sour cream or jam. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 330 kcal
Syrnyky are small cottage cheese pancakes, a favorite breakfast and snack in Ukrainian homes. The dough is mostly farmer's cheese (tvorog) with an egg, a little sugar and just enough flour to hold the shape, so the inside stays creamy. They are fried in a bit of oil until the crust is golden. Serve them with sour cream, jam, honey or fresh berries. Dry, crumbly cheese gives the best result.
Instructions
- If the cheese looks wet, press it in a sieve over a bowl for 30 minutes to drain. Break up any lumps and mash it until fairly smooth.
- Mix in the egg, sugar, vanilla, salt and 5 tbsp of flour to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Flour your hands and the counter. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, roll it into a ball and flatten it into a disc about 1.5 cm (1/2 in) thick. Dredge both sides in flour and shake off the excess.
- Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium-low heat. Fry the syrnyky for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden and cooked through.
- Drain briefly on paper towels and serve warm, with sour cream, jam or honey.
Tips
- Use dry farmer's cheese. If it is wet, drain it in a sieve first, since extra moisture makes the dough sticky and the syrnyky spread.
- Fry over medium-low heat. High heat browns the outside before the inside sets.
Questions and answers
What can I use instead of farmer's cheese?
Dry cottage cheese or well-drained ricotta works. Press out the liquid and mash until smooth.
Why do my syrnyky fall apart?
The cheese was too wet or there was too little flour. Drain the cheese well and add a spoonful more flour if the dough does not hold a shape.
Can I bake syrnyky instead of frying them?
Yes. Bake them on parchment at 190°C (375°F) for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once. They come out lighter, with a softer crust.
How long does it take to make Syrnyky (Ukrainian Cottage Cheese Pancakes)?
About 40 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Syrnyky (Ukrainian Cottage Cheese Pancakes)?
About 330 kcal per serving, with 24 g of protein, 26 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 330 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
