Tvorozhniki: Russian Cottage Cheese Pancakes Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Russian cuisine with our exquisite Tvorozhniki recipe. These cottage cheese pancakes, a beloved breakfast staple, are renowned for their pillowy softness and tantalizing taste. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, you can enjoy this culinary masterpiece in no time.

Ingredients

For the Tvorozhniki:

• 1 pound (454 grams) farmer's cheese, drained
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

For the Filling (optional):

• 1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cherries, pitted
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Steps

1. Prepare the cottage cheese: Place the drained farmer's cheese in a large bowl and mash it until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.

2. Add wet ingredients: Crack the egg into the cheese and whisk until combined. Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract.

3. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough pancakes.

4. Form the pancakes: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round or oval pancake, about 1/2-inch thick.

5. Prepare the filling (optional): In a small saucepan, combine the sour cherries, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Set aside.

6. Fry the pancakes: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a generous amount of vegetable oil and wait until it shimmers. Carefully place the pancakes in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

7. Assemble the pancakes: If desired, spoon the cherry filling into the center of each pancake. Fold the edges over the filling to create a half-circle shape.

8. Serve and enjoy: Serve the Tvorozhniki warm with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, jam, or fruit compote.

Tips

• For a fluffier pancake, separate the egg and beat the egg white until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped egg white into the batter before frying.
• To prevent the pancakes from sticking, make sure the skillet or griddle is well-seasoned.
• If you don't have farmer's cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese. However, the texture may be slightly different.
• Serve the Tvorozhniki with a dollop of sour cream for an authentic Russian experience.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cherry filling up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Q: Can I freeze Tvorozhniki?
A: Yes, you can freeze cooked Tvorozhniki for up to 2 months. Reheat them in a toaster or oven until warmed through.

Q: What other fillings can I use?
A: You can experiment with different fillings, such as applesauce, blueberry jam, or chocolate chips.