The Olad’i (oladi, oladushki – Дрожжевые оладьи) are a type of bliny > called so because they are made from a batter poured into a skillet, but they are smaller, thicker, and softer.
Bliny (блины) is the plural of blin (блин), referring to thin pancakes made from a liquid batter poured into a skillet. The term refers to both the technique (liquid batter spread in a skillet) and the final result. Therefore, Ukrainian Olad’i are often confused with Russian bliny, which are thin and rolled.
Olad’i are typical of Eastern Europe, widely popular in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, where equally famous are serniki, which are also similar to pancakes, like olad’i, but with the addition of ricotta to the flour and egg batter.
Round in shape, made with flour, buttermilk, and leavening (or baking soda) and fried in vegetable oil, they are usually accompanied by jam, honey, sweetened condensed milk or by smetana (Russian sour cream), varenye (a berry compote) or powidl (a plum preserve).
It is said that if olad’i appear in a dream, it means a cheerful and lighthearted conversation with a relative or friend will soon occur.
Kefir or natural yogurt can be used instead of buttermilk.
You can discover another Ukrainian dessert on the blog:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 15/20 pieces
- Cooking methods: Stove
- Cuisine: Ukrainian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups flour
- 1 cup buttermilk (or kefir or yogurt)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp baking soda
- 1 egg
- to taste salt
- to taste sunflower oil
Preparation
Beat the egg in a bowl along with the buttermilk (or kefir or natural yogurt).
Add the sugar and salt, and mix again.
Slowly incorporate the sifted flour and baking soda until no lumps remain.
In a large skillet, add the oil. Once the skillet is fully heated, pour the batter to form a small round fritter.
Continue to cook until they are golden brown.
Repeat until the batter is used up, adding more oil if necessary.
Serve immediately with jam and sweetened sour cream, honey, or condensed milk, and if desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar.
A story by Russian author Fazil Iskander is titled “The Olad’i of the Thirty-Seventh Year,” which you can find in the collection: “Tea and Love for the Sea” at 22.00 €
