Classic Kefir Fritters (Oladi)

Name: Classic Kefir Fritters (Oladi)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: About 12 fritters
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 1 cup kefir; 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp sugar; 0.5 tsp baking soda; 1 pinch salt; as needed neutral oil for frying

Small, fluffy Ukrainian-style kefir fritters made with one egg and baking soda.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 35 minMakes About 12 fritters

Jump to Recipe

The original page lists several kinds of fritter, so this card follows the first complete recipe: oladi made with one cup of kefir and one egg. Other versions use milk, apple or water and should not be folded into this batter without changing its proportions. Stir egg, sugar and salt into the kefir, then add flour and a little baking soda. Let the thick batter stand while the skillet warms. Drop small spoonfuls into a thin film of oil and cook at moderate heat so the centers set before the outsides brown too far. Serve the fritters warm; make a second batch if you want to compare the milk variation.

Recipe card

Classic Kefir Fritters (Oladi)

Prep 15 minCook 20 minTotal 35 minYield About 12 fritters

Equipment: Bowl, whisk, nonstick skillet, spatula

Ingredients

1 cup kefir 1.5 cups all-purpose flour 1 large egg 2 tbsp sugar 0.5 tsp baking soda 1 pinch salt as needed neutral oil for frying

Instructions

Whisk wet
Whisk kefir, egg, sugar and salt in a bowl.
Add dry
Stir in flour and baking soda until a thick spoonable batter forms.
Rest
Let batter stand 10 minutes; warm a lightly oiled skillet.
Cook
Drop small spoonfuls over medium heat; cook until edges set, then turn and cook until centers are no longer wet.
Serve
Drain briefly and serve warm.

How to tell when it is ready

Golden both sides and cooked through without raw batter.

Tips

Use the first kefir formula as written.
Keep the batter thick and spoonable.
Cook small portions over moderate heat.
Wait for edges to set before turning.

Serving suggestions

Add sour cream.
Top with berry jam.
Serve with sliced fruit.
Offer with tea at breakfast.

Make ahead

Prepare ingredients ahead and keep perishable items cold until cooking or serving.

Storage

Refrigerate cooled fritters up to 2 days and reheat.

Food safety

Cook the egg-and-flour batter through.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use milk instead of kefir?

The page gives a separate milk batter with baking powder; it is a different recipe.

How should I store classic kefir fritters (oladi)?

Refrigerate cooled fritters up to 2 days and reheat.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.