Syrniki Russian Cheese Pancakes (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb farmer's cheese, dry and crumbly
02 - 2 eggs
03 - ½ cup all-purpose flour, plus ½ cup divided for dredging
04 - ¼ cup sugar
05 - ¼ teaspoon salt
06 - ½ cup raisins (optional)
07 - 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

# Instructions:

01 - In a large bowl, crumble the farmer's cheese into small pieces using a fork. Ensure it is strained if not already crumbly. Add eggs, ½ cup flour, sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly, breaking apart any clumps. Add raisins if desired. The batter should resemble a thick dough.
02 - Place ⅓ cup flour in a small bowl for dredging. Scoop ¼ cup of dough, flatten it into a patty using your hands, and coat both sides with flour. Shake off any excess flour and set aside.
03 - Heat 3-4 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Place the dredged cheese pancakes in the skillet with a spatula. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Cool on a paper towel-lined plate. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
04 - Serve sprinkled with powdered sugar, or drizzled with maple syrup, honey, or whipped cream. For a traditional Russian experience, pair with sour cream and fruit preserves.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure the farmer's cheese is dry and crumbly; strain if necessary to avoid adding excess flour.
02 - Use an ice cream scoop with a squeeze-release handle for easy portioning of dough.
03 - Dredging the syrniki in flour prevents them from sticking to the pan.