Syrniki with Sour Cream and Berry Jam
About This Course
Syrniki are traditional Eastern European cheese pancakes made from fresh farmer’s cheese, lightly fried until golden, and served warm. In this recipe, they are paired with tangy sour cream and sweet berry jam, creating a harmonious balance of creamy, sweet, and slightly tart flavors. These fluffy, tender cakes showcase the natural richness of cheese, while the accompaniments elevate each bite.
Learning Objectives
Choosing & Preparing Cheese
How to select the right fresh farmer’s cheese (tvorog or quark) for optimal moisture and texture.
Techniques for draining excess liquid to avoid overly wet dough.
Dough Formation & Consistency
Balancing ingredients—cheese, eggs, flour, and a hint of sugar—to achieve a tender but firm pancake batter.
Adjusting flour amounts based on cheese moisture to prevent stickiness while preserving fluffiness.
Shaping & Frying Techniques
Forming uniform rounds without overworking the dough, ensuring even cooking.
Controlling pan temperature and oil quantity for a crisp exterior and soft interior.
Accompaniments & Serving
Preparing sour cream to the right consistency—stirring in lemon zest or sugar if desired.
Selecting or making berry jam (strawberry, raspberry, or mixed) to enhance sweetness and color contrast.
Plating strategies that showcase the contrast between golden syrniki and vibrant toppings.
Flavor Variations & Customizations
Ideas for adding vanilla, citrus zest, or cinnamon directly to the batter for subtle flavor boosts.
Alternative toppings such as honey, fresh fruit slices, or nut butters.
Material Includes
- Recipe Guide (PDF): Detailed ingredient list with step-by-step instructions, photographs of each stage, and troubleshooting tips.
- Short Video Demonstration: A concise 10-minute tutorial showing cheese preparation, dough shaping, frying, and plating with sour cream and jam.
- Ingredient Substitution Chart: A reference sheet suggesting alternatives for dairy-free or gluten-free needs (e.g., ricotta for cheese, gluten-free flour).
- Serving Suggestions Handout: Ideas for complementary drinks (e.g., herbal tea, coffee) and side dishes (fresh fruit salad, compote).
Requirements
- Requirements:
- 500 g farmer’s cheese (tvorog) or ricotta, well drained
- 1 large egg
- 60 g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100 g all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- Pinch of salt
- Vegetable oil or butter (for frying)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Berry jam (for serving)
Target Audience
- Home Cooks & Families: Anyone seeking a quick, comforting breakfast or dessert that appeals to all ages.
- Culinary Enthusiasts: Food lovers interested in exploring Eastern European traditions and classic cheese-based dishes.
- Brunch Hosts & Entertainers: Individuals looking for a visually appealing, crowd-pleasing dish to serve at casual gatherings.
- Beginners in Baking: Those with minimal pastry experience wanting a forgiving recipe that offers reliable results.
Curriculum
3 Lessons1h 45m