Russian Buttermilk Pancakes -- Oladi

I made these a while ago and didn't get to posting them until now. I found the recipe while I was looking for Russian recipes, and could not resist giving these pancakes a try. They feature buttermilk which gives them a creamy texture and great tangy flavor. I served these with butter, sugared lingonberries, sour cream, and drizzled with honey. They make a great breakfast or brunch dish that is quite different from regular pancakes.

Oladi -- Russian Buttermilk Pancakes
recipe from Russian Food for Kiwis

• 4 cups buttermilk
• 10oz/20 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt

Beat the eggs together then whisk in the buttermilk.

In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, sugar and salt.

Gradually add the flour mixture into the egg and buttermilk and mix well.

Put the mixture through a sieve to remove any lumps. The batter should be dense but liquid.

Heat a flat bottomed pan and melt a little butter or oil to prevent sticking. Slowly pour 5-6 small rounds into the pan. Cook until bubbles start to form on the top of the uncooked side. Flip and cook on the other side until golden, approximately 2 minutes per side.

Put in a tea towel to keep warm until ready to serve.

Oladi are great on their own or with a sweet topping, like jam or honey. For a special treat top with sour cream and caviar. -- end of recipe --


These were delicious and I think they definitely needed the toppings, their texture is new and unexpected in a pancake, they were almost souffle like. The kids enjoyed these with the toppings pictured and also with maple syrup.

If you give these a try I hope you like them! The kids and I always have fun trying new recipes from other countries and I was pleasantly surprised with how much my kids enjoyed these since they kind of look like a typical pancake but taste quite different. I would make these again, especially if we have some buttermilk to use up, which happens somewhat frequently around here :)