Syrniki (Ukrainian/Russian Cheese Pancakes)

Tap an ingredient or step to check it off.

1. 1Step 1: Place the cheese, flour, sugar, egg and vanilla for the pancake mixture in a bowl and mix everything together so that the ingredients are well combined but try not to over-mix.
2. 2Step 2: Place the additional flour for coating in a small flat bowl or plate. Using either a cookie scoop or a dessert spoon, take a spoonful of the pancake mixture and then lightly round it off in your hands to form a round patty. They are usually on the thick side compared to regular pancakes, but also not just a slightly squished ball.
3. 3Step 3: Place the pancake into the flour for coating to coat underneath, carefully turn it over to coat the other side then gently shake off any excess. Set aside on a plate and repeat forming and dredging in flour with the rest of the mixture. You should get between around 7 and 11 pancakes, depending on quite how big you make them.
4. 4Step 4: As you are working on forming the pancakes, warm a small skillet/frying pan over a medium heat (non-stick or cast iron is best). Add the oil (and butter, if using) and let it warm.
5. 5Step 5: Once the oil is hot, add a few of the pancakes to the skillet. If you're using an 8in (20cm) skillet you probably want to only cook around half at a time so that you don't overcrowd the pan.
6. 6Step 6: Cook the pancakes for around 3 - 4 minutes until the underside is gently brown then turn and cook another 2 - 3 minutes on the second side. Remove from the skillet and drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil. Cook the rest of the pancakes.
7. 7Step 7: Serve warm with eg berry compote, jam and (optional though popular) sour cream/creme fraiche (smetana).