Cottage Cheese Pancake Recipe Stuffed With Chocolate – Russian Syrniki Recipe
A delightful twist on the classic Russian Syrniki, these cottage cheese pancakes are stuffed with rich chocolate and lightly pan-fried for a crispy, golden exterior and a warm, gooey center. Perfect for a leisurely breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of the day. Paired with a fresh fruit bowl and a strong cup of Punjabi-style espresso, this dish will transport you to a delightful culinary journey. Let’s dive into this indulgent yet simple recipe that’s sure to impress your family or guests.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 250 grams |
| Whole Eggs | 2 |
| Honey | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chocolate Bar (any type) | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| All Purpose Flour (for dusting) | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (for pan-frying) | As required |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Cholesterol | 150 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximations and will vary based on ingredient brands and exact quantities.
Instructions
-
Prepare the Paneer (Cottage Cheese)
Start by making homemade paneer if you haven’t already. Follow your favorite method for making fresh paneer, ensuring it’s soft and crumbly. Set aside to cool. -
Make the Pancake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.In a small food processor, blend together the homemade paneer, whole eggs, honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture is almost smooth but still slightly lumpy. Don’t over-blend as you want some texture from the paneer.
Transfer the paneer mixture into the flour mixture and stir gently with a spatula just until combined. The batter will be quite sticky, which is perfectly normal.
-
Prepare the Chocolate Stuffing
Chop your favorite chocolate bar into small pieces. You can choose milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a combination depending on your preference. -
Shape the Pancakes
Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Scoop out a portion of the batter using a medium-sized cookie scoop, about the size of a small ball. Place a small amount of chopped chocolate in the center of the dough ball, then gently fold the dough around the chocolate to encase it. Roll the dough ball lightly in flour, ensuring it’s fully coated.Repeat this process with the remaining dough and chocolate, creating about 7-8 balls.
-
Cook the Pancakes
Heat about 2 tablespoons of butter in a non-stick skillet over low-medium heat. Make sure the butter is hot but not smoking before you begin frying the pancakes.Carefully place the dough balls in the skillet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Flatten each ball gently with your palm to form a patty shape. Fry the pancakes on both sides, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Once the pancakes are golden and crisp on both sides, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
-
Serve and Enjoy
Dust the pancakes with powdered sugar and serve immediately while they’re still warm. Garnish with a drizzle of strawberry coulis and a few fresh strawberry slices for an added burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Cottage Cheese Pancakes (Russian Syrniki) stuffed with chocolate with a fresh fruit bowl. The sweetness and acidity from the fruit will complement the rich, creamy texture of the pancakes.
- For a complete brunch experience, serve these pancakes with a cup of Punjabi-style espresso coffee, which will enhance the flavors with its bold richness.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian since it uses paneer and eggs. For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based honey alternatives if necessary.
- Flavor Variations: You can experiment by adding fruits such as mashed bananas or berries into the batter for added flavor. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also be added for a fragrant twist.
- Chocolate Choices: Feel free to mix and match your chocolate choice. Dark chocolate adds a rich, intense flavor, while milk chocolate provides a smoother sweetness. White chocolate is another delicious option.
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Pancake Recipe
These cottage cheese pancakes, or Syrniki, are the perfect combination of a hearty, protein-packed breakfast and a decadent treat. The cottage cheese gives them a delicate, light texture that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate stuffing. The slight crispiness from the pan-frying gives the pancakes a satisfying crunch, while the interior remains soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast, a delightful dessert, or an easy after-school snack for kids, this Russian-inspired recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick to prepare, easy to make in large batches, and incredibly versatile to suit various dietary preferences. The simplicity of the ingredients also makes it an approachable recipe for beginner cooks, while still being a crowd-pleaser for more seasoned home chefs.
Give this indulgent recipe a try, and watch it become a staple in your breakfast rotation or snack box. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy in every bite!
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese Pancake Recipe Stuffed with Chocolate (Russian Syrniki) is a heartwarming dish that brings together the comforting flavors of cottage cheese and the indulgent richness of chocolate. Easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to satisfy sweet cravings, these pancakes make for a perfect treat at any time of day. Serve with fresh fruit and coffee, and you have a brunch experience that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
