Recipe for preparing papanasi

When I make cheese doughnuts, I keep it simple: I take the cottage cheese and eggs out of the fridge about half an hour beforehand. The cheese should be well-drained, not watery; otherwise, I might need to add some flour or semolina as needed. The doughnuts yield quite a few, so I usually make the recipe when we have guests or simply when we know we’ll be sharing with more people. It’s a recipe that doesn’t require complicated techniques, but it’s important not to rush the steps. Quick Info Total time: about 1 hour Servings: 10-12 Difficulty: easy to medium Recipe type: classic Romanian dessert, suitable for weekends, guests, or sweet cravings Ingredients 1 kg cottage cheese (well-drained, not too wet) 400 g flour 100 g granulated sugar 50 g powdered sugar 100 g semolina 3 eggs 5 g baking soda a pinch of salt 1 packet vanilla sugar grated lemon zest 500-800 g sour cream (for serving) jam (for serving; sour cherry, blueberry, or mixed berry jam works well) Preparation Method 1. I prepare all the ingredients within reach. I quickly mash the cottage cheese with a fork to avoid large chunks but without turning it into a paste. 2. In a large bowl, I combine the cottage cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and grated lemon zest. I mix until well combined, not overdoing it, just enough to distribute everything evenly. 3. I add the semolina and baking soda, then mix again. 4. I start adding the flour gradually, mixing with my hand or a large spoon. The dough should be firm but still a bit sticky. If the cheese was too wet, I might add another 1-2 tablespoons of flour or semolina. 5. I sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. I take a piece of dough and shape the doughnuts: I make larger balls for the base and smaller ones for the “lid.” The base is slightly flattened and has a hole in the middle, like a thick bagel. The lids remain round. 6. I heat oil in a pan or pot (the oil should be enough to cover the doughnuts halfway). The heat should be moderate, not too high, so they don’t burn on the outside before cooking through. 7. I fry the doughnuts one by one until they turn golden, turning them carefully from time to time. Generally, 2-3 minutes on each side is sufficient, but I check to see if they are cooked in the middle. 8. I place the doughnuts on paper towels to drain the excess oil. I repeat the process with all the pieces. 9. For serving, I place the doughnut base on a plate, add the small ball on top, and then pour sour cream and jam to taste. I sprinkle the powdered sugar at the end, usually over the sour cream. Why I Make This Recipe Often It’s made from simple ingredients, most of which I always have in the fridge. It’s a filling dessert, easy to portion, and suitable for various occasions. It doesn’t need to be served immediately, but it shouldn’t be left too long, as fresh doughnuts are the best. Tips and Variations Tips 1. The cheese must be as well-drained as possible. If it’s too wet, the doughnuts risk being soft or falling apart. 2. The flour should be added gradually. Not all cheese is the same, so it’s good to adjust the consistency as you go. 3. The oil should be hot enough but not excessive. If the doughnuts fry too quickly on the outside, the inside will remain raw. Substitutions 1. Vanilla sugar can be omitted or replaced with vanilla extract. 2. Instead of regular sour cream, you can use thicker sour cream or full-fat yogurt, but the texture and taste will be slightly different. 3. The jam can be changed according to preference; sour cherry or blueberry works best. Variations 1. Sometimes I mix grated orange zest with lemon for a different flavor. 2. For fluffier doughnuts, I let the dough rest for 10 minutes after adding the baking soda. 3. If you prefer a smaller version, the doughnuts can be made thinner and served individually without the lid. Serving Ideas 1. Serve warm, with plenty of sour cream and jam. 2. They can be sprinkled with powdered sugar or a dash of cinnamon, but the classic recipe is best kept simple. 3. If there are leftovers, the doughnuts can be quickly reheated in the oven or microwave, but they will be softer if covered with foil. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can cottage cheese be replaced with another type of cheese? No. Cottage cheese is essential for the correct texture. Ricotta or other cheeses have a different texture and will not yield the same result. 2. Can I bake the doughnuts instead of frying them? The classic recipe is for frying. I do not recommend baking for this mixture, as the result will be different. 3. What should I do if the dough is too soft? Add flour or semolina, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The dough should be moldable but not too stiff. 4. Can raw or cooked doughnuts be frozen? I do not recommend freezing. Fried doughnuts lose their texture after thawing. Nutritional Values On average, one doughnut with sour cream and jam has between 350-400 kcal, which includes approximately 12-15g of protein, 50-55g of carbohydrates, and 12-15g of fat. The values vary depending on how much sour cream and jam are added at serving. They are relatively filling and satisfying. Storage and Reheating Doughnuts are best when fresh. If there are leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge until the next day in a closed container. I do not recommend keeping them longer or freezing them. For reheating, I put them in the oven or microwave for a few minutes, but the texture won’t be as good as at first. Sour cream and jam should be added just before serving.
Tags


Categories

Appetizers

Beverages

Celebrity chefs

Chef in the city

Children

Coffee

Conserve

Cook and smile

Culinary Games

Culinary School

Dessert

Diverse

Doughs and pastries

Drinks

Fish

Healthy Delights

International

Jakob Hausmann

Jam

Jamie Oliver

Meat

Miscellaneous

Over

Pasta/Pizza

Pickles

Plague

Salad

Sandwiches

Sauces

Savory

Season

Sezon

Slow cooking

Soups

Star Recipe

Syrup

Translated

Various

Vegan



