Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Cranberries (Syrniki)

I got this recipe from my friend Marina, a very talented chef and fellow blogger. This is her original recipe that I implemented with a few tiny modifications. Check out her fabulous blog and recipe here: Marina's Recipe for Syrniki.

I typically don't make traditional Russian food but these babies spoke to me because of the lemony addition of lemon zest. My gang is also not a huge fan of raisins so I substituted cranberries. And ALL around hit, even my picky 7 year old ate them with gusto.

I served with a berry sauce that make a few weeks ago for serving with french toast and froze for future use. The recipe for the Berry Sauce is here.

INGREDIENTS:

One 15 oz container of ricotta (I used part skim by Poly-0

3/4 cup of flour (I used whole wheat)

2 large eggs

1 cup of cranberries (soaked)

Pinch of salk

Zest of 1 lemon (use microplane to zest) 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1 tablespoon brown sugar

Oil for frying (I used grape)

DIRECTIONS:

1) Soak your cranberries (or raisins) in 1 cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. Pour enough water to cover raisins. Continue other preparations.  Once finished soaking, drain and carefully pat dry. 

2) Combine ricotta, flour, eggs, salt and sugar in a large bowl. If using, add lemon zest and vanilla. Mix well. I use this micropane Microplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater to zest my lemon (wash the lemon first).

3) Add cranberries. Mix.

4) Heat about a tablespoon of oil to a pan and let the oil heat up about 2 minutes. I use this 1o inch skillet Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 11-3/4-Inch Skillet with Iron Handle, Marseille.

5) Wet your hands and form ONE round patty, about 2 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick. If it falls apart, you will know to add more flour to the future patties. Mine was just right but you might need more flour depending on consistency of your ricotta (maybe about another 1/4 cup). Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. 

6) Remove and place on place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

7) Serve immediately or save for later. Serve the russian way with sour cream, the russian healthier way with greek yogurt, or my way with berry sauce. I also serves some fresh berries on the side for a complete breakfast.