Syrnyky - Ukrainian Cheese Pancakes

If you're a fan of Ukrainian cuisine, you've likely encountered syrnyky, the cherished cheese fritters that are nothing short of sublime. But if, for some reason, you haven’t yet had the pleasure, you’re in for a real revelation. Syrnyky are the kind of dish that instantly transports me back to childhood mornings at my grandma's house. I can still picture the scene: she’d slide those golden, crispy pancakes straight from the pan onto my plate, topped with her homemade tart apricot jam and a generous dollop of thick sour cream from the local bazaar. It's a memory of comfort and simplicity, and even today, when life gets tough, syrnyky are the dish I seek for solace.

It’s heartening to see that syrnyky are gaining international recognition as Ukrainian cuisine captures more global attention. These humble yet elegant cheese pancakes are being embraced by chefs and home cooks worldwide. The beauty of syrnyky lies in their simplicity—made with just farmer's cheese (known as "syr" in Ukrainian), eggs, and a bit of flour. They balance a subtle tang with a hint of sweetness, and their perfectly crispy exterior gives way to a soft, creamy interior.

Traditionally, syrnyky are served with sour cream, honey, or fruit preserves. However, creativity's not limited here—you can pair them with fresh berries, caramel, or even a rich crème anglaise. The idea is to enjoy them however you like and to make them your own.

For Ukrainians, syrnyky are more than just a breakfast treat. They evoke the warmth of family, the coziness of home, and the sweet moments we cherish. Sharing them with others feels like passing on a little piece of our heritage and love.

Makes 9

Ingredients:

• 1 lb farmer’s cheese, syr

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup semolina flour

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon salt

Clarified butter or neutral oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine farmer’s cheese with an egg, semolina flour, ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and salt. Mix the ingredients with a spatula until they form a soft, uniform dough.

2. Next, use an ice cream scoop to portion out the dough into small, even balls. Wet your hands and gently flatten each ball into a patty about ½ inches thick. In a shallow dish, prepare the remaining ⅔ cups of all-purpose flour for coating. Lightly dredge each patty in the flour to coat both sides.

3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a bit of clarified butter or oil, and fry the syrnyky in batches. Cook each patty for about 2 minutes per side until they are wonderfully crispy and golden brown on the outside.

4. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 7 minutes to cook the inside. Once done, serve the syrnyky warm with your desired topping.