Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) farmer’s cheese or cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp baking powder (optional, for fluffier pancakes)
- Vegetable oil or butter for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the cheese mixture:
In a large bowl, crumble or mash the farmer’s cheese with a fork until it’s smooth (you can also press it through a sieve). Add the egg, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until smooth. - Add the dry ingredients:
Stir in the flour and baking powder (if using) into the cheese mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. The mixture should be thick enough to shape into small patties but still slightly sticky. - Shape the Syrniki:
Lightly flour your hands and surface. Take small portions of the dough (about 2-3 tablespoons) and shape them into round, thick patties (about 2.5 inches in diameter and ¾ inch thick). Lightly dust each patty with flour on both sides. - Fry the Syrniki:
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter. Once the oil is hot, place the syrniki in the pan, making sure they have enough space between them. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. - Serve:
Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the syrniki warm with sour cream, jam, honey, or fresh berries.
Tips:
- Farmer’s cheese is ideal because it’s less moist than cottage cheese. If using cottage cheese, you may need to strain it through a cheesecloth to remove excess liquid.
- For a different twist, add raisins or a bit of lemon zest to the batter for extra flavor.
Enjoy your homemade syrniki!