Ukrainian Syrniki (Cheese Pancakes)

Golden Ukrainian cottage cheese pancakes with a creamy center, pan-fried and served with sour cream or jam.

• 500 g farmer cheese or dry cottage cheese, drained
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 5 tbsp all-purpose flour, plus more for shaping
• 3 tbsp raisins (optional)
• 3 tbsp neutral oil or butter, for frying
• 0.5 cup sour cream or jam, to serve

Method

1. Press the cheese through a sieve or mash it until smooth, then mix in the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
2. Stir in the flour and raisins until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
3. With floured hands, shape the dough into 12 patties about 2 cm thick, dusting each lightly with flour.
4. Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
5. Fry the syrniki in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden and cooked through.
6. Serve warm with sour cream, jam, or honey.