Nalysnyky (Ukrainian Thin Crêpes with Cottage Cheese)

  • Total time - 45 minutes
  • Batter prep - 15 minutes
  • Frying pancakes - 20 minutes
  • Filling and rolling - 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Ukraine
Rolled Ukrainian pancakes Nalysnyky, filled with cottage cheese and topped with sour cream and jam.

Nalysnyky pancakes must be very thin and elastic. The key is a lump-free batter containing enough liquid (milk or milk and water) and very little sugar.

The filling is traditionally made from cottage cheese (Ukrainian tvorog), which is softened with an egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla.

Ingredients

For the Batter (Pancakes)

  • 400 ml milk (whole)
  • 2 pieces eggs
  • 150 g all-purpose flour
  • 100 ml water or sparkling water (for extra tenderness)
  • 0.5 tsp sugar
  • pinch salt
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (in the batter and for frying)

Cottage Cheese Filling

  • 500 g fine cottage cheese or ricotta (tvorog)
  • 3 tbsp sugar (powdered or granulated)
  • 1 piece egg yolk (for softening only)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla sugar
  • 1 tbsp raisins (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Pancake Batter

In a bowl, mix the milk, eggs, water, sugar, and salt. Gradually whisk in the flour to prevent lumps.

Finally, stir in the oil and let the batter rest for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Frying the Pancakes

Heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick pan. Ladle the batter and swirl it to cover the pan in a thin layer.

Fry the pancakes on only one side until golden brown. This side will be inside the roll and help absorb the filling. Do not flip them.

Stack the fried pancakes on top of each other to keep them warm and pliable.

Step 3: Preparing the Cottage Cheese Filling

In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese/ricotta, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Optionally, add pre-soaked raisins.

The filling should be smooth and creamy but firm enough not to run out.

Step 4: Filling and Rolling

Spread a tablespoon of the cottage cheese filling onto the fried side of the pancake (the darker side).

Fold the pancake from two sides (like an envelope) and then roll it into a tight cylinder (cigar).

Repeat until all pancakes are used.

Step 5: Serving (Optional Simmering/Baking)

Nalysnyky can be served immediately, warm.

For a more traditional flavour, arrange them in a baking dish, pour over a little sour cream or melted butter, and briefly bake (10 minutes at 185 °C (365 °F)).

Serve with sour cream and jam or honey.