Oladyi

I spent a short amount of time visiting Riga, Latvia.  While there, I was introduced to many Russian dishes.  Most of them didn't agree with me, but this was one of my favorites.  Pronounced Oh-lah-dee, these are the Russian version of pancakes.  The biggest thing here is that you MUST use kefir.  You may substitute it with buttermilk, but it is just not the same.  Kefir is slightly thicker than buttermilk, but runnier than yogurt.  KEFIR, remember that, KEFIR!    I would eat them with jam, which was a nice contrast to the slightly sour taste from the kefir. 

Oladyi

Ingredients:
2 cups kefir
1 egg
2 Tbs. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup flour

Directions:
1. Whip (by hand) kefir, egg, and sugar until well combined.  Add baking soda and salt. 
2. Stir in flour gradually until batter is the consistency of sour cream, but not quite pancake batter.
3. Heat about 2 Tbs. canola oil in a medium skillet until hot.  Using a large serving spoon, pour batter into the hot oil.  Fry in oil until the edges start to turn brown or curl upward.
4. Turn over and cook on the other side for about 1 minute.  Drain on paper towels before serving.