UKRAINE: SYRNKY, Cheese pancakes

One of the more popular Ukrainian breakfast dishes is Syrnyky. These are sweet little cheese pancakes usually served with jam, sauce, or syrup. As a traditional food you can find them in plenty of restaurants, although they always seem to taste better. (Option: To add Chia seeds to the mix and berries to serve).

 Ingredients

15 oz (about 2 cups) farmers cheese, homemade (aka Tvorog) or storebought
4 large eggs
3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus about 1/2 cup more for dredging
3 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp white vinegar
1 cup raisins
2-3 Tbsp extra light olive oil for each batch

Method:

• In a large bowl, mix together cheese, eggs, 3/4 cup flour, sugar and salt.
• Place baking soda in a small bowl and add vinegar; give it a stir as it fizzes. Add this mixture to the cheese mix.
• Mix until uniform consistency. Stir in the raisins with a spoon. It will still have some little cheese clumps.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add 2-3 Tbsp extra light olive oil.
• Add 1/2 cup flour to a small bowl. Place a heaping tablespoon of flat ice cream scoop of the cheese mixture into the flour. Reach into the bowl and sprinkle flour over the top of the pancake. With Well-floured hands, remove excess flour by gently transferring the pancake from one hand to another.
• Once the skillet and oil are hot, place patties directly into the skillet as you mold them. Saute until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes each side, flipping once during cooking.
• Transfer to a plate and serve with your favourite toppings like sour cream, fruit and powdered sugar.