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Oladi (Mini Kefir Pancakes)


The fluffy oladi or mini pancakes are tasty, with a cloud-like texture—serve them for breakfast or a snack with your favorite toppings!

This traditional recipe, also called oladushki, it’s made with kefir or buttermilk to create this perfect unforgettable treat.

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table top with large serving plate with mini pancakes and fresh raspberries

Recipe Features

  • These pancakes are made without yeast but are still fluffy and spongy.
  • This recipe is perfect for weekend brunch to feed even picky eaters!
  • This is a great “make-ahead” recipe to cook in advance and serve later.
  • These Russian pancakes are refined-sugar-free since they are only sweetened with maple syrup.
  • You can call these 3-ingredient pancakes since you will need only three main ingredients, two of which are staples and always on hand.

Key Ingredients

ingredients for making pancakes with kefir

Ingredient Notes

  • Unbleached white flour to make lighter pancakes; if using sprouted spelt flour you might need less flour.
  • Kefir. I use unsweetened whole milk kefir or goat milk kefir. Buttermilk would make a good substitute.
  • Baking powder. The baking powder helps to create a reaction with kefir to achieve the fluffy texture in these pancakes.
  • Eggs.

How to Make Oladi

Step 1. Gather the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Add kefir and baking powder in a measuring cup and whisk till frothy. Add to the egg mixture.

ingredients to make russian pancakes oladi

Step 2. In the same bowl, gradually add flour, and whisk till combined and the mixture is free from lumps.

white mixing bowl with batter for pancakes

Step 3. Preheat cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. Use some coconut oil for frying. Fry each pancake on each side for about 1-2 minutes till golden. Turn on the other side when you see tiny air bubbles. To finish making all the pancakes, you might add more oil to the pan if needed.

cast iron pan with small-sized pancakes

Step 4. Serve with fresh fruit or jam, sour cream, or yogurt.

what plate with many small pancakes served with fresh raspberries

Recipe Tips

  • This recipe makes 16 mini pancakes, 3 1/2 inches in diameter.
  • Before making this recipe ensure that eggs and kefir are at room temperature; you can simply leave it out for 15 minutes.
  • Add flour gradually, and whisk well to break the lumps. The pancake batter should be medium consistency, not too thick or too runny.
  • Choosing the right pan is important in this recipe. The heat distribution and non-stick surface play a role in making these pancakes perfectly. I like to use a well-seasoned cast-iron pan; Lodge brand or Le Creuset would be my first pick.
  • Ensure the skillet is hot and has plenty of oil before adding the batter.
  • When adding the batter to the hot pan, use a tablespoon to shape the pancake. Each pancake will take approx. Two tablespoons.
  • Use any toppings: fresh berries, frozen fruits, berries, honey. Traditionally these pancakes are served with sour cream and jam. I like to serve them with berries drizzled with maple syrup.
  • Store in an air-tight container in the fridge.
a stack of mini pancakes on the white plate topped with fresh berries

More Breakfast Recipes

serving plate with small pancakes and fresh raspberries drizzled with maple syrup

Oladi (Russian Mini Pancakes)

Natalia-Flavorful Home
The fluffy oladi or Russian pancakes are made with only three main ingredients. They are tasty, with a cloud-like texture—serve them for breakfast or snack with your favorite toppings!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Russian

Equipment

  • cast iron skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cup kefir unsweetened plain, room temperature
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 3 eggs large, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cup flour
  • 2 tbsp oil for frying
  • berries for serving
  • yogurt optional, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Gather the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. In a measuring cup, add kefir and baking powder and whisk till frothy. Add to the egg mixture.
  • In the same bowl, gradually add flour, whisk till combined, and the mixture is free from lumps.
  • Preheat cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. Use some coconut oil for frying. Fry each pancake on each side for about 1-2 minutes till golden. Turn on the other side when you see tiny air bubbles. To finish making all the pancakes, you might add more oil to the pan if needed.
  • Serve with fresh fruit and syrup or sour cream and jam.

Notes

This recipe makes 16 mini pancakes, 3 1/2 inches in diameter.
Before making this recipe ensure that eggs and kefir are at room temperature; you can simply leave it out for 15 minutes.
Add flour gradually, whisk well to break the lumps. The pancake batter should be medium consistency, not too thick or too runny.
Choosing the right pan is important in this recipe. The heat distribution and non-stick surface play a role in making these pancakes perfectly. I like to use a well-seasoned cast-iron pan; Lodge brand or Le Creuset would be my first pick.
Make sure that skillet is hot and has plenty of oil before adding the batter.
When adding the batter to the hot pan, use a tablespoon, use it to shape the pancake. Each pancake will take approx. two tablespoons.
Use any toppings: fresh berries, frozen fruits, berries, honey. Traditionally these pancakes are served with sour cream and jam. I like to serve them with berries drizzled with maple syrup.
Store in the air-tight container in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 81mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 106IUCalcium: 79mgIron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Leave us a Comment!
Natalia | Flavorful home
Natalia is a recipe developer, food photographer, and home cook. She started Flavorful Home to document her recipes and share home cooking tips. She loves creating flavorful and nutritious meals while keeping the cooking process simple and joyful!
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