What to add to Lviv syrnyk to make it puffy: a classic dessert in a new way

Lviv syrnyk is a traditional Ukrainian pastry. The dish is prepared mainly for various family celebrations. It is based on delicate cottage cheese and is best when it is homemade. To make the texture fluffy, add a poppy seed layer. It will add a pleasant tartness and juiciness.

The idea of making Lviv syrnyk with poppy seeds was published on the Instagram page of food blogger Yulia Symonchuk (cook_julija_simonchuk).

Ingredients for the base:

• flour -- 1 cup (250 ml)
• margarine/butter - 100 g
• egg yolk - 1 pc
• sugar - 2/3 cup
• poppy seeds - 3-4 tbsp
• baking powder - 1/2 tsp

Ingredients for the curd mass:

• cottage cheese (preferably homemade) - 700 g
• butter - 120 g
• yolks - 5 pcs
• whites - 2 pcs
• sugar - 1 cup
• orange or lemon zest
• semolina - 1 tbsp
• raisins - 1/2 cup
• vanilla sugar - 1 pack

Ingredients for the glaze:

• chocolate - 160 g
• oil (odorless) - 20 g

Preparing the base:

1. Pour sifted flour and baking powder on the surface, add butter and cut with a knife until smooth.

2. Add poppy seeds and egg yolk grated with sugar and cut again until smooth and slightly sticky.

3. Put on the bottom of the mold (covered with parchment, greased with oil and sprinkled with breadcrumbs).

4. Put in a preheated oven for 10 minutes (160 degrees).

5. Take out and spread the cheese mass on top.

Preparing the curd mass:

1. Grind the cottage cheese with a blender until smooth, add soft butter, part of the sugar and separately beaten egg yolks with the rest of the sugar.

2. Add vanilla, semolina, zest, and egg whites whipped into a stiff foam.

3. Mix gently until smooth.

4. Add the pre-soaked raisins, sprinkled with flour.

5. Mix again and spread on the base.

6. Bake at 160 degrees for about 50 minutes.

7. After cooling, cover with icing and refrigerate overnight.

Preparing the glaze:

1. Melt the chocolate in a water bath, add butter, stir, and cover the syrnyk when it cools slightly.

2. To prevent the glaze from cracking, cut the dish with a hot knife.

3. The dish is sweet, so you can add less sugar.