Banana and Cottage Cheese Pancakes (Syrniki)

1.Mash the cottage cheese with a fork until smooth. If the cottage cheese is wet, drain it on a sieve beforehand.

2.Mash the banana with a fork into a puree. Add to the cottage cheese.

3.Add the egg, sugar, pinch of salt, and milk (if using). Mix well.

4.Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and mix again until a thick dough forms. If the dough seems too liquid, add a little more flour.

5.Shape the cottage cheese mixture into small syrniki (pancakes). Coat each syrnik in flour, shaking off any excess.

6.Heat a skillet with a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the syrniki on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

7.Alternatively, the syrniki can be baked: place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.