Syrniki facts for kids
Syrniki served with strawberry varenye
|
|
| Alternative names | Syrnyky, tvorozhniki |
|---|---|
| Type | Pancake |
| Associated national cuisine | Belarusian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Ukrainian |
| Main ingredients | Quark (curd cheese), flour, eggs, sugar; sometimes raisins, vanilla extract |
Syrniki (Belarusian: сырнікі; Russian: сырники) are delicious, fried pancakes. They come from Eastern Europe. These tasty treats are made using a special soft cheese called quark or curd cheese.
You might also hear them called syrnyky in Ukrainian. In Russia, they are sometimes known as tvorozhniki. Syrniki are a popular part of meals in many countries. These include Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, and Serbia. People love them because they are simple to make and taste great!
What's in a Name?
The name Syrniki comes from an old Slavic word, syr. This word means "soft curd cheese." In the Ukrainian language, syr still means this type of cheese. For example, domashnii syr means "homemade cheese."
However, in Russian, people use a different old Slavic word. They say tvorog for curd cheese. So, even though the name Syrniki uses syr, it refers to the same soft cheese.
How to Make Syrniki
Syrniki, or tvorozhniki, are quite easy to prepare. They are made from creamy quark cheese. This cheese is mixed with flour, eggs, and sugar. Sometimes, a little vanilla extract is added for extra flavor.
If you can't find quark, other soft cheeses like pot cheese or farmer's cheese can be used. The mixture is soft, so it's shaped into small, flat cakes. These cakes are then pan-fried in vegetable oil or hot butter.
The goal is for them to be slightly browned on both sides. Inside, they should still be a bit creamy. Syrniki are usually sweet. They are often eaten for breakfast or as a dessert. But you can also make them savory.
Sometimes, people add other ingredients to the batter. These can include raisins, chopped dried apricots, fresh apples, or pears. Syrniki are typically served with yummy toppings. These often include varenye (fruit preserve), jam, smetana (sour cream), or melted butter.
See also
In Spanish: Syrniki para niños
