Entree: Ukraine – Western Ukraine – Сирники ➤ Syrnyky (Pan-fried cottage cheese pancakes served with sour cream or jam)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 25 min

Cook 15 min

Additional 15 min

Total 55 min

Ingredients

- 12 oz (340 g) farmer's cheese or tvorog, well drained
- 1 large (50 g) egg
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp (0.7 g) salt
- 4 tbsp (60 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for shaping
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) semolina or fine cornmeal (optional for texture)
- 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter for frying
- 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) vegetable oil for frying
- Sour cream for serving (to taste)
- Jam or fresh berries for serving (to taste)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mash the farmer's cheese with a fork or pass through a sieve to remove large curds; add the egg, sugar, vanilla, and salt and mix until smooth.
2. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour and the semolina if using; chill the mixture 10–15 minutes to firm up if it feels very loose.
3. Dust a work surface with flour. Divide the curd mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a small round patty about 1/2 inch thick, dusting each lightly with flour.
4. Heat butter and oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the syrnyky 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through, reducing heat if they color too quickly.
5. Drain briefly on paper towel. Serve warm topped with sour cream and jam or fresh berries.