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Fluffy Oladi (Ukrainian/Russian Pancakes)

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These Fluffy Oladi are soft and pillowy pancakes with a golden, crispy edge, making them a beloved breakfast treat in Ukrainian and Russian kitchens. Filled with diced apples and made with kefir, they are perfect for a cozy weekend morning. Serve them with your favorite jam, honey, or sour cream for a deliciously sweet or savory experience.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 cup Kefir

¼ cup water

1 egg

2 cups all-purpose flour (you may need to add 23 more tablespoons if needed)

2 tablespoons sugar

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking soda

3 apples (peeled, cored, and diced)

56 tablespoons neutral oil for cooking (coconut oil or avocado oil)

Instructions

Make the Batter:

Warm the Kefir:
In a small bowl, combine the kefir and water. Microwave for 30 seconds to warm it slightly.

Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, sugar, and salt. Add the warmed kefir mixture and stir until everything is combined.

Add Flour:
Gradually add the 2 cups of flour to the wet mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The consistency should resemble dense sour cream. If the batter is too thin, add 2-3 more tablespoons of flour.

Add Baking Soda and Apples:
Mix in the baking soda. Then gently fold in the diced apples, being careful not to overmix.

Fry the Pancakes:

Heat the Oil:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Cook the Oladi:
Drop about a heaping tablespoon of batter into the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden-brown. You can cook 5-6 pancakes at a time.

Continue Frying:
Transfer the cooked Oladi to a plate, adding more oil to the skillet as needed, and continue frying the remaining batter.

Serve:

Serve Warm:
Serve your Oladi with your favorite toppings such as jam, honey, or sour cream.

Notes

Storage: Oladi can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the microwave until warm.

Vegan Version: To make Oladi vegan, replace the egg with ½ mashed banana or ½ cup applesauce.

Kefir Substitution: If you don’t have kefir, substitute with ¾ cup whole-fat Greek yogurt and ¼ cup milk (3:1 ratio), or use buttermilk in equal amounts (1:1 substitution).

  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Ukrainian