Entree: Ukraine – Odesa & Black Sea – Сирники ➤ Syrnyky (Pan-fried cottage cheese pancakes made from fresh farmer's cheese)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 10 min

Total 25 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) farmer's cheese or quark (tvorog)
- 2 large eggs (approx. 100 g)
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) salt
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Sour cream, jam, or honey for serving (no measurement)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mash the farmer's cheese with a fork until mostly smooth. Stir in the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until combined.
2. Add 1/2 cup (60 g) flour and the salt; mix to form a soft but workable batter. If mixture is very wet, add up to 1–2 tbsp (8–16 g) more flour.
3. Lightly flour your hands and a work surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each into a 1/2–3/4 inch (1.2–2 cm) thick round patty.
4. Dredge each patty lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
5. Heat the butter and oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until foaming. Add patties in a single layer, leaving space between them.
6. Fry 3–4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and cooked through, turning carefully. Reduce heat if they brown too quickly.
7. Transfer to a paper towel briefly to drain. Serve warm dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by sour cream, jam, or honey.