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Fluffy Oladi (Ukrainian/Russian Pancakes) Recipe

Fluffy Oladi (Ukrainian/Russian Pancakes) Recipe

5.2 from 27 reviews

Fluffy Oladi are traditional Ukrainian and Russian pancakes made with kefir and apples, offering a deliciously soft, tangy, and slightly sweet treat. These pancakes are easy to prepare, lightly fried in oil, and perfect for breakfast or dessert, combining the tartness of apples with a tender, fluffy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Batter Ingredients

  • 1 cup kefir
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus 23 tbsp more if needed)
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

Additional Ingredients

  • 3 apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
  • 56 tbsp neutral oil for cooking (such as vegetable or sunflower oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare kefir mixture: In a small bowl, combine kefir and water. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds to slightly warm it up.
  2. Mix egg, sugar, and salt: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the egg, sugar, and salt until well combined. Add the warmed kefir mixture and stir everything together until smooth.
  3. Add flour: Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet mixture while stirring. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps, resembling thick sour cream. If the batter feels too thin, add 2-3 more tablespoons of flour.
  4. Add baking soda: Stir in the baking soda and mix thoroughly to integrate it into the batter.
  5. Fold in apples: Gently fold the peeled, cored, and diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
  6. Heat skillet and oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  7. Fry pancakes: Drop heaping tablespoons of batter onto the skillet, frying 5-6 pancakes at a time. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook for another minute.
  8. Continue frying: Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate. Add more oil to the skillet if needed and repeat the frying process with the remaining batter.

Notes

  • If the batter is too runny, gradually add extra flour to achieve a thick, spoonable consistency.
  • Use neutral oil like vegetable, sunflower, or canola for frying to avoid overpowering flavors.
  • Serve Oladi warm with sour cream, honey, jam, or fresh berries for added flavor.
  • The batter can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute kefir with dairy-free yogurt and adjust liquid accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Oladi, Ukrainian pancakes, Russian pancakes, kefir pancakes, apple pancakes, fluffy pancakes, traditional Eastern European breakfast