There’s something special about a brunch with hot and fresh fritters. Want even more? You’ll need to try my Easy Apple Fritters! As a child I always liked Saturday mornings because they meant special breakfast for us. I would get most excited when my mum whipped up a batch of these hot and fluffy cheese fritters. It took me far too long to introduce syrniki to my own family, but when I did they were an even bigger hit than I hoped. And who can blame them? Pillowy soft on the inside, with just a light crisp outside, and just the right amount of sweetness balanced by the slightly tart tvorog. So good, I just might go and make another batch!
Syrniki
Syrniki (seer-nee-kee) are made from a farmer’s cheese called Tvorog in Russian or Twarog in Polish. They are a traditional dish, and very popular across Eastern Europe where they are enjoyed as a breakfast or dessert. They are essentially small pancakes, but with a hint of cheesecake as well. The tvorog gives them a rich and creamy texture, while frying in oil means that they are lovely and golden on the outside.
What is ‘tvorog’?
Tvorog is a creamy curd cheese very similar to ricotta and cottage cheese but is drier and has a tangy taste. Below is a photo of what tvorog is like in texture. I couldn’t find a good substitute in the US or Canada for the longest time. I have used well-drained cottage cheese in the past but it really lacks the slightly sour kick of Tvorog. The good news is that major supermarkets in North America now carry this item under the name of Farmer’s Cheese. You can always find it in any Russian or Eastern European store if there is one close by. I bought mine from a local Eastern European shop in my neighbourhood in London. Major supermarket chains in the UK like Sainsbury’s and Tesco carry Twarog in their international or Polish section.
How to make sirniki
The method of preparing syrniki is pretty much the same as old plain pancakes. If you ever attempted to make pancakes you will manage this recipe with ease. Combine cheese, eggs, sugar, oil, flour, baking powder and vanilla in a medium size bowl and mix all the ingredients with a hand mixer until you get a homogenous mass. No longer than 2-3 minutes. The mixture will be very sticky. Don’t panic, that’s what you are supposed to get! Put your non-stick or cast iron frying pan on a stove on medium heat and add 3 tbsp of oil to it. Dust a clean work surface with some flour. Take a regular soup spoon and start scooping the mixture from the bowl. Put it directly on the floured surface and roll it in the flour, then flatten it with your palm to make it into a patty. Continue the process with the rest of your cheese mixture until it’s all gone. You should get about 14 patties. Before you start frying your syrniki make sure the oil in the frying pan is very hot by sprinkling a bit of flour into it. If it sizzles it’s hot enough. Fry your syrniki the same way you would pancakes. When you turn them over they should puff up a bit. The flour coating will make the outside slightly crispy while the mostly cheese filling will taste light and delicious.
Serving suggestions
Dust the syrniki with icing sugar as the final touch and serve them with your favourite jam or a fruit sauce. If you want a truly Russian experience enjoy them with a bit of “smetana” aka sour cream. I love mine with blackcurrant jam! Yum! This one tasted just like my babushka used to make. If only my kids had the same appreciation for it. They rejected my suggestions and went for maple syrup. However they LOVED the syrniki, which I call a success! Although I prefer syrniki for breakfast or brunch, there’s not reason to stop there. They also make for a pretty amazing dessert!
Storage and leftovers
Syrniki are at their best best when served hot. But if you do have leftovers they can be kept in the fridge for five days or in the freezer for up to three months. Make sure they are kept in an airtight container. To heat them up, pop them in a microwave for 30 seconds, or in a 190C/375F degree oven for five minutes or until they are hot throughout. They can also be reheated in an air fryer, with the time required changing depending on your model.
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