Mardi Gras, or Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent, and most people celebrate with parades and yummy Cajun food. However, in the UK, it’s also National Pancake Day, and pancakes of all kinds are served. When my kids were small, their favorite breakfast was Oladushky or Russian Buttermilk Fritters, which are crispy little orbs slathered in butter, sour cream, and jam. They are delicious, and if you’re not planning to celebrate with Cajun food, you’ll definitely want to make these tasty pancakes.

Although in Russia they usually serve these with lingonberry or raspberry jam, you can serve them with your favorite; Orange marmalade isn’t authentic, but it is extra good.

6 Servings

2 eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup flour
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying

butter, sour cream, and raspberry jam

1. Combine the egg yolks, buttermilk, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda in the blender and mix, scraping the sides once, until smooth; let the batter stand 1 hour if you have time, but it is not absolutely necessary.
2. Beat the egg whites to stiff peaks and pour the smooth batter into them, folding until just blended.
3. Pour about 1 tablespoon of the remaining vegetable oil in a large skillet and heat to 350°.
4. Drop about 1/3 cup of batter onto the skillet for each fritter.
5. Fry on both sides until golden, about 3 minutes on each side.
6. Repeat with the remaining batter, keeping the cooked fritters warm. Serve with butter, sour cream, and jam or honey.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 238 Calories from Fat 124
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 52% Protein 11% Carb. 37%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 14 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 73 mg
Sodium 251 mg
Total Carbohydrate 22 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 6 g

Vitamin A 3% Vitamin C 1% Calcium 0% Iron 3%