Thick Kefir Oladky

Photos by Anna Voloshyna

These thick and fluffy pancakes are probably the recipe I cook the most in my kitchen.

Every time I ask my husband what to make for breakfast, the answer is the same: oladky. I don’t mind at all, as this recipe is easy to make, requires very few ingredients, and always delivers the most amazing results. Plus, there are plenty of toppings to serve with oladky. I love eating them with honey, my mom prefers sour cream, and my husband always asks for homemade jam. No matter what you choose, these pancakes will taste wonderful.

• 1¼ cups plain kefir or buttermilk
  

• 1 egg
  

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  

• 2 tablespoons sugar
  

• ½ teaspoon baking soda
  

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  

• Sunflower or canola oil, for frying
  

• Honey, sour cream, and/or jam, for serving
  

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the kefir, egg, salt, sugar, and baking soda, and beat gently with a whisk. While continuing to whisk constantly, gradually add the flour. When all the flour has been added, continue to mix until the batter is smooth and thick. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes.
2. Have ready a large plate lined with paper towels. Pour the oil to a depth of ¼ inch into a large frying pan and heat over medium-high heat until the oil is hot and shimmering. Turn down the heat to medium-low and drop a small scoop (2 to 3 tablespoons) of the batter into the hot oil for each pancake, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook until crisp and golden brown on the bottom and the top has set, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a spatula, flip the pancakes over and fry until crisp and golden brown on the second side, 2 to 3 minutes longer. Transfer to the prepared plate and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
3. Serve the pancakes warm with your topping of choice.

Recipes excerpted from Budmo! by Anna Voloshyna. Rizzoli, 2022. Photographs by Anna Voloshyna.