Cottage cheese syrniki: The perfect breakfast treat

Although cottage cheese in blocks has a relatively long shelf life, it's better to decide right away what to make with it, especially when you've bought more. I had four blocks, which were enough for a cheesecake. I used one of them to bake syrniki.

Syrniki is a traditional dish of Eastern cuisine that originates from Ukraine. These small, fluffy pancakes are mainly made from cottage cheese. The recipe and preparation of this dish won't be complicated for anyone. Syrniki are much healthier than classic pancakes because they contain protein and calcium. Their source is precisely cottage cheese. You don't need to add baking powder or soda to the cheese batter.

The recipe for syrniki includes only a few ingredients: cottage cheese, eggs, flour, and sugar, which is optional. The preparation method can slightly vary. Some recipes suggest crushing the cottage cheese and adding eggs. In my opinion, the pancakes are fluffier when you add yolks and flour to the cottage cheese and then mix them with whipped egg whites. Instead of sugar, you can add vanilla sugar. I also really enjoy them with cinnamon.

Preparing the batter, regardless of your chosen method, is very simple. However, more attention should be paid to frying. Syrniki are fried on a dry, medium-heated pan, always covered. Only this way do they have a chance to cook well. The cheese batter becomes fluffy, and its surface becomes golden and crispy.

If you're worried about frying on a dry pan, add some butter, but it's unnecessary. Syrniki is traditionally served with sour cream and preserves. They also go perfectly with fresh fruit, honey, or maple syrup. This is a great dish to start the day, perfect for a relaxed weekend breakfast. Such pancakes will be enjoyed not only by fans of classic cheesecake.

Ingredients:

• 250 g (9 oz) cottage cheese,
• 3 eggs,
• 3 tablespoons of flour,
• powdered sugar to taste (optional),
• vanilla sugar (optional),
• a pinch of cinnamon to taste.

Preparation method:

1. Separate the eggs into yolks and whites. Whip the whites into stiff peaks.
2. Add the yolks and sugar to the cottage cheese and mash with a fork.
3. Then, add flour to the mixture and mix everything.
4. Add the egg whites and mix again.
5. Heat the pan and place portions of the batter, forming pancakes.
6. Reduce the heat and fry the pancakes for several minutes until they are golden and can be flipped.
7. Fry for another few minutes after flipping.
8. Serve the ready syrniki with your favourite toppings.