Savoury Syrniki with Caraway and Onion

The Story Behind the Recipe – A Taste of Home with a Savory Twist 🏡

Savoury Syrniki with Caraway and Onion- Some recipes have a way of wrapping you in memories — and for me, syrniki is one of those. Growing up, syrniki meant quiet Sunday mornings when the smell of warm cottage cheese pancakes drifted through the kitchen. My grandmother always made them sweet — with raisins, honey, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar — the kind of breakfast that made the whole house feel safe and loved.

But years later, as I began experimenting in my own kitchen, I found myself wondering: what if I gave those comforting pancakes a savory spin? What if instead of sugar and fruit, I added onions, a hint of caraway, and a sprinkle of salt?

The result? A revelation.

These Savoury Syrniki with Caraway and Onion are light, tender cheese cakes with a golden crust and a fragrant, slightly earthy flavor from the caraway. The sweetness of caramelized onions balances beautifully with the tangy farmer’s cheese, creating a dish that’s simple yet deeply satisfying.

It’s the kind of food that feels both nostalgic and new — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner with a side salad. Every bite takes me back to those mornings with Grandma, but with my own little modern twist. 💛

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What Makes This Recipe Special 🌿

• 🧅 A Unique Twist on a Classic: Traditional sweet syrniki get a savory upgrade!
• 🌾 Caraway Magic: Just a pinch gives these pancakes that lovely, aromatic, old-world flavor.
• 🧀 Creamy & Tangy: Farmer’s cheese makes them soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.
• 🍳 Perfect Anytime Meal: Breakfast, lunch, or dinner — they always fit.
• 💛 Comfort Food Reimagined: Familiar, cozy, and full of personality.

This recipe celebrates humble ingredients, but the flavor feels gourmet — proof that sometimes the simplest things are the most memorable.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor 🍽️

🧀 For the Syrniki Batter:

• 1 lb (450g) farmer’s cheese (or ricotta, well-drained)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground caraway seeds (lightly crushed)
• 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (optional but wonderful)

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🧈 For Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon oil (for extra crispiness)

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🧅 For Serving (Optional but Recommended):

• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped herbs (dill, parsley, or chives)
• Caramelized onions or roasted mushrooms on top

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Base

If using ricotta, make sure it’s well-drained — you want it thick, not runny.
Place the farmer’s cheese in a mixing bowl and mash it gently with a fork until smooth and creamy.

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Step 2: Mix in the Flavor

Add the eggs, salt, crushed caraway seeds, grated onion, and chopped dill (if using).
Mix well until the ingredients are evenly combined. The onion will add both flavor and a bit of moisture, which keeps the syrniki tender.

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Step 3: Add the Flour

Gradually add flour until the mixture comes together into a soft, slightly sticky dough.
It should hold its shape when rolled into a small ball, but still feel moist.

(Pro Tip: Don’t add too much flour — you want the inside to stay creamy, not dense.)

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Step 4: Shape the Syrniki

Lightly dust your hands and work surface with flour.
Take a heaping tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, then gently flatten it into a small patty (about ½ inch thick).

Repeat with the remaining dough — you should get about 10–12 patties.

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Step 5: Pan-Fry to Perfection

Heat butter and oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Once hot and sizzling, add the syrniki in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan).

Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp.
Flip carefully with a spatula — they’re delicate!

The smell of sizzling butter and toasted caraway will fill your kitchen. 😍

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Step 6: Serve Warm

Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve immediately with a spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkle of herbs.

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With 🍽️

• 🥗 Fresh Salad: Try arugula with lemon vinaigrette for a bright contrast.
• 🍄 Sautéed Mushrooms: Adds earthiness that pairs beautifully with the caraway.
• 🥔 Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Veggies: For a heartier meal.
• 🍞 Dark Rye Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy center.
• 🧈 Compound Butter: Mix soft butter with herbs and spread over hot syrniki.

They’re also wonderful for brunch — serve them with poached eggs, smoked salmon, or even a drizzle of honey if you like the sweet-and-savory combination.

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Customization & Variations 🎨

• 🧄 Garlic Lover’s Version: Add a clove of minced garlic to the batter.
• 🧀 Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in grated parmesan or aged cheddar.
• 🌿 Herb Delight: Add parsley, dill, or even chives for freshness.
• 🌶️ Spicy Kick: A pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika gives them a twist.
• 🥬 Veggie Mix-In: Fold in sautéed spinach or caramelized onions.
• 🍠 Sweet-Savory Fusion: Add a spoon of roasted pumpkin purée for warmth and color.

These syrniki are endlessly adaptable — once you’ve mastered the base, you can make them your own every time.

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Storing & Reheating 🧊

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Layer with parchment paper and freeze up to 1 month.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a little butter over low heat, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
• Avoid Microwave: It softens the crust — and that crisp edge is everything!

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Calcium: 15% DV

These little cheese pancakes pack a satisfying punch of protein and flavor — perfect for a cozy meal that still feels light.

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions 💬

1. What is syrniki made from?
Syrniki are traditional Eastern European cheese pancakes made with farmer’s cheese, eggs, and flour.

2. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with buckwheat or a gluten-free blend.

3. What can I use instead of farmer’s cheese?
Well-drained ricotta or quark works perfectly.

4. Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes — bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. Can I make these sweet instead?
Absolutely! Just omit the onion and caraway, and add a little sugar and vanilla.

6. How do I crush caraway seeds?
Use a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon — you just want to release their aroma.

7. Can I add other spices?
Cumin, coriander, or dill seed can add depth — experiment!

8. What kind of onion works best?
Yellow or sweet onions are ideal, finely grated so they blend smoothly.

9. Are syrniki served hot or cold?
Traditionally hot, but they’re also delicious at room temperature.

10. What’s the best topping for savory syrniki?
Sour cream, chives, or caramelized onions — classic and perfect!

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

These Savoury Syrniki with Caraway and Onion prove that comfort food can be both humble and elegant.
They’re soft, crispy, aromatic, and full of personality — just like the best home-cooked dishes always are.

Each bite brings together the cozy familiarity of cheese pancakes with the unexpected, grown-up charm of caraway and onion. Whether served for brunch or dinner, they’ll win hearts around your table.

Cooking them always reminds me that recipes are stories — ones that evolve, adapt, and pass through generations with love and creativity. ❤️

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Tried This Recipe? 💕

Did you make these Savoury Syrniki with Caraway and Onion?

📸 Share your delicious creations on Pinterest and tag @Granny’s Lil Kitchen so I can see your beautiful photos!

Tell me — did you go classic, or add your own twist? I’d love to know how they turned out in your kitchen. 💛