Kefir Pancakes Recipe – Russian Special
Kefir Pancakes are a traditional Russian treat, offering a fluffy, light texture and a tangy flavor thanks to the use of kefir, a fermented milk drink. These small, thick pancakes are similar to American-style pancakes but are more airy and tender. The kefir adds a unique depth of flavor, with a slight sourness that pairs perfectly with sweet toppings like honey, jam, or fresh berries. Quick and easy to prepare, Oladi are a popular breakfast or snack in many Slavic countries, often enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. Whether served for a weekend brunch or a cozy morning meal, kefir pancakes are a delightful way to start the day.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time30 min
- Total Time50 min
Kefir Pancakes Ingredients :
- 1 cup (240 ml) kefir (room temperature)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter (plus more for cooking)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Fresh berries, honey, or jam for serving (optional)
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
How to make Kefir Pancakes :
Mix Wet Ingredients:In a large bowl, whisk together the kefir and egg until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, if using, and mix again.
Combine Dry Ingredients:In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Make the Batter:Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth, thick batter forms. The batter should be thick but still pourable; if it’s too thick, add a small splash of kefir or milk to adjust the consistency.
Heat the Pan:Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to coat the bottom of the pan.
Cook the Pancakes:Once the pan is hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the pan (about 2-3 tablespoons per pancake). Flatten them gently with the back of the spoon to form small, round pancakes.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, flipping carefully when bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set. Continue cooking the rest of the batter.
Serve:Serve the Oladi warm, topped with your choice of honey, jam, fresh berries, or a dollop of sour cream.
Recipe Note :
Kefir Consistency:If your kefir is too thick, you can thin it with a small amount of milk or water to reach the desired pancake batter consistency.
Sweetness:The pancakes themselves are lightly sweetened with sugar, but you can always adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste or skip it if you plan to serve the pancakes with sweet toppings.
Resting the Batter:If you have time, let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This can improve the texture, making the pancakes even fluffier.
Serving Ideas:These pancakes are traditionally served with sour cream and a sweet topping, but they can also be served with fresh fruit, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a more American-style breakfast.
Make-Ahead:Oladi are best served fresh, but you can store any leftover pancakes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or the microwave before serving.
