Oladi (Russian Kefir Pancakes) with Apple Recipe
Introduction
Oladi are traditional Russian pancakes made with kefir, offering a light and tangy flavor. Adding apples gives these fluffy treats a sweet, fruity twist that’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup kefir
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 medium apple, grated
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the kefir, eggs, and sugar until smooth and combined.
- Step 2: Gradually stir in the flour and baking soda, mixing until you have a thick batter.
- Step 3: Fold the grated apple into the batter, distributing it evenly.
- Step 4: Heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Step 5: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the pan and fry until golden brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 6: Flip the oladi and cook the other side until golden, about another 2 minutes.
- Step 7: Serve the oladi warm, plain or with your favorite topping.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and a bit of tanginess.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute kefir with a plant-based yogurt or buttermilk alternative.
Storage
Store leftover oladi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to maintain their softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of kefir?
Yes, you can substitute kefir with plain yogurt, but the texture and tanginess may be slightly different.
How do I prevent the oladi from sticking to the pan?
Make sure the pan is well-heated before adding oil, and use enough oil to coat the surface. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan to allow easy flipping.
PrintOladi (Russian Kefir Pancakes) with Apple Recipe
Oladi are traditional Russian kefir pancakes that are light, fluffy, and mildly tangy, enhanced with the sweetness and texture of grated apple. These small, golden pancakes are perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack and are quick to prepare using simple ingredients like kefir, eggs, sugar, flour, and baking soda.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 small oladi pancakes 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Russian
Ingredients
Batters
- 1 cup kefir
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Fruit
- 1 medium apple, peeled and grated
For Frying
- 2–3 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sunflower oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the kefir, eggs, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy, ensuring the sugar dissolves properly.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually stir in the flour and baking soda. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Fold in the apple: Gently fold the grated apple into the batter, distributing it evenly without deflating the mixture.
- Heat the pan and oil: Preheat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the pan for frying.
- Cook the oladi: Using a spoon, drop small portions of batter onto the hot skillet. Fry until golden brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes, then flip carefully and cook the other side until equally golden and cooked through.
- Serve warm: Transfer the cooked oladi to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil if desired, and serve immediately, optionally with honey, sour cream, or jam.
Notes
- Use apples that hold their shape well, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, for the best texture.
- If the batter is too thick, add a little more kefir or milk to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
- For fluffier pancakes, separate the eggs and beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold them into the batter.
- Oladi are best served fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven (around 200°F/95°C) for short periods.
- Adjust sugar according to the sweetness of the apples or personal preference.
Keywords: Oladi, Russian pancakes, kefir pancakes, apple pancakes, traditional Russian breakfast, fluffy pancakes, kefir recipe
