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Sweet Russian pancakes
Photo credit Sonya Sanford

Sweet Russian Pancakes

These sweet apple pancakes make for the perfect breakfast — on Hanukkah or any time.

  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium-size apple
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup plain kefir or buttermilk
  • ¼ cup water
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • big pinch of salt
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • oil, as needed (sunflower, avocado or any neutral-tasting oil)

Instructions

  1. Peel your apple. Dice it very fine by hand or in a food processor.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, kefir/buttermilk, water, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt until thoroughly combined. 
  3. Add the flour to the bowl, and mix until just combined, be careful not to overmix.
  4. Add the apple and fold it into the batter until just combined. Do not let the batter sit for too long before cooking the oladi, as the apples will begin to release their juices.
  5. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a generous amount of oil (about ¼” deep in the pan). Once the oil is hot, lower the heat to medium and add ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the oladi are golden brown on each side and have puffed up. Work in batches, and make sure not to crowd the pan. 
  6. Serve immediately dusted with powdered sugar, and with sides of sour cream and fruit preserves.
  • Author: Sonya Sanford
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Russian