Oladi are sweet and fluffy Russian pancakes that are a staple on weekend breakfast menu. This recipe is easy to make and loved by kids and adults.
Do you want to try new breakfast recipes? Try these Russian Syrniki, Banana Pancakes.
Oladi
It just doesn’t get any better than waking up on a Sunday morning to a sweet aroma of crispy apple Oladi sizzling in a pan.
That’s my idea of the cozy weekend breakfast – simple, delicious and preferably hassle-free. Because for the first time in a week you get to eat your breakfast slowly and you definitely want it to be a good one.
That’s where Oladi come in – traditional Russian pancakes made with kefir or buttermilk and with the addition of apple.
Just like in Russia, Oladyi are so popular in Ukraine and I grew up eating ton of those. This is the kind of food that pleases everyone and disappears fast.
Because when you sit at the breakfast table in front of a pile of freshly made Kefir Pancakes, you can’t help but dig right into them. They are delicious and make you feel cozy and and satisfied.
Few things that make Russian pancakes Oladi the best choice for breakfast:
- they are fluffy, soft and crispy on the edges – and who doesn’t like that?
- oladyi can be stuffed with a variety of different fruits or berries; just use whatever you have in fridge
- oladi that are made with kefir or buttermilk are healthy and quick to make
- approved by picky eaters and it’s always a plus
…the perfect pancake
The process of making Oladiki is quite similar to making regular pancakes and is easy as a pie. I’m going to walk you through all steps to ensure you prepare the best Russian Oladi ever.
How can I substitute Kefir in Russian Oladi recipe?
Oftentimes, Oladi are made with Kefir, which is a fermented milk drink. It gives pancakes a fluffier texture. Kefir is available in practically any grocery store. But if you can’t find it, here are some other alternatives to use in place of Kefir:
- yogurt with milk – stick to 3:1 ratio. For example, if you need 1 cup of Kefir, mix 3/4 cup of whole fat yogurt with 1/4 cup of milk;
- Buttermilk – use 1 part of Buttermilk for 1 part of Kefir.
What types of apples should I choose for easy homemade pancakes?
Crispy and not too sweet types of apples work best in this recipe. Here are my suggestions:
- Granny Smith
- Gala
- Fuji
- Daisy
How to make Russian Oladi?
1. Make a batter
In a small bowl combine Kefir and water and microwave for 30 seconds. In another large mixing bowl combine together egg, salt and sugar. Add warmed kefir and mix everything until combined.
Gradually add in 2 cups of flour mixing the batter until it’s smooth and without lumps. The batter should resemble a dense sour cream. If it’s too thin, add a few more tablespoons of flour, one at a time.
Add in baking soda and mix everything once again.
Meanwhile, peel, core and dice apples. Add them to a bowl with batter and mix everything nicely.
2. Fry the pancakes
Melt 2 tbsp of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Drop about a heaping tablespoon of batter in a skillet and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden-brown on the bottom. Flip and fry for another minute. You can cook 5-6 Oladi at a time.
Transfer fried pancakes on a plate, add more oil if needed and continue frying the remaining batter.
What to serve with Oladi?
You can serve Oladi with any sweet condiments that you have in your fridge. Here are some of my favorite topping ideas:
- sour cream
- honey
- maple syrup
- cherry spread
- fresh blueberries, blackberries or raspberries
Just like Russian Cottage Cheese Pancakes, Oladi can be served for breakfast, dessert or even dinner. They are delicious, healthy and filling.
I hope you’ll enjoy this simple Oladi recipe as much as my family does:)
Oladi (Russian Kefir Pancakes)
Ingredients
- 1 c Kefir see my substitution tips above
- 1/4 c water
- 1 egg
- 2 c all purpose flour you might need to add 2-3 more tablespoons of flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3 apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 5-6 tbsp neutral oil for cooking coconut oil or grapeseed oil
Instructions
Make a batter
- In a small bowl combine Kefir and water and microwave for 30 seconds.
- In a large mixing bowl combine together egg, salt, sugar. Add kefir and water mixture and mix everything until combined.
- Gradually add in 2 cups of flour mixing the batter until it's smooth and without lumps. The batter should resemble a dense sour cream. If it's too thin, add a few more tablespoons of flour.
- Add in baking soda and mix everything once again.
- Add diced apples and carefully give everything a stir.
Fry the pancakes
- Melt 2 tbsp of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Drop about a heaping tablespoon of batter in a skillet and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden-brown. Flip and fry for another minute. You can cook 5-6 Oladi at a time.
- Transfer fried pancakes on a plate, add more oil if needed and continue frying the remaining batter.
- Serve with your favorite jam, honey or sour cream.
Nutrition
Beverly says
Thank you! My Latvian father talked about pancakes his mother had made with apples in them. I will make these in their honor.
Iryna says
Hi Beverly! Yes, this is a popular recipe across all post-Soviet countries. I hope you’ll enjoy these pancakes!