Syrniki belong to Cheesefare (Maslenitsa) week, the last days before Great Lent when dairy is still eaten with thanksgiving. This is a seed recipe added so the Cheesefare tier has fare to show; the parish can expand the collection in Keystatic.
Syrniki (Farmer Cheese Pancakes)
Tender little farmer-cheese pancakes, golden outside and soft within, a Cheesefare-week favorite.
Servings 4
Ingredients
For the pancakes
- 1 lb farmer cheese or dry-curd cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, plus more for shaping
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
For cooking and serving
- 2 tbsp butter
- sour cream and honey or preserves, to serve
Method
- Mash the farmer cheese in a bowl until fairly smooth, then stir in the egg, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
- Add the flour and mix to a soft, slightly sticky dough. If it is too wet to shape, add a little more flour a spoonful at a time.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, roll into a log, and cut into twelve pieces. Pat each into a small, thick round.
- Warm the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Working in batches, cook the syrniki until deep golden, about three minutes a side.
- Lower the heat if they color too quickly; the centers should warm through and set.
- Serve warm with a spoonful of sour cream and a drizzle of honey or a little fruit preserve.