Recipe for preparing boiled papanasi with sweet cheese

Boiled sweet cheese papanasi: a recipe from the heart of childhood

Who doesn't remember the sweet and comforting aroma of boiled papanasi with sweet cheese? These delicacies are a symbol of childhood, reminding us of moments spent during summer vacations when grandmothers spoiled us with the most delicious dishes. Today, I will share my favorite recipe for boiled papanasi, inspired by the unforgettable memories of those days. This recipe is simple, quick, and doesn't require special cooking skills. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 650 g sweet cow cheese (or a mix with ricotta for a creamier texture)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh and aromatic taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence (to enhance the flavor)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 3 eggs (to bind the ingredients)
- 100 g semolina (to add consistency)
- 2 tablespoons of flour (to help bind the mixture)
- 300 g breadcrumbs (for a crispy crust)
- 150 g sugar (to sweeten the breadcrumbs)
- 100 ml oil (for frying the breadcrumbs)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the mixture:
Start by beating the 3 eggs in a large bowl, adding a pinch of salt. Use a mixer or a fork to beat them well. Once the eggs are homogenized, add the sweet cheese. Make sure the cheese is well crumbled; if you have a food processor, you can use it to achieve a fine consistency. This step is crucial, as uneven cheese can lead to papanasi that fall apart while boiling.

2. Continuing with the flavors:
Add the grated lemon zest and vanilla sugar or vanilla essence to the cheese and egg mixture. These flavors will transform the papanasi into a true delight. Mix well until homogeneous.

3. Integrating the dry ingredients:
Over the cheese mixture, add the semolina and flour. Mix everything with a spatula or a wooden spoon, ensuring there are no lumps. The mixture should be soft but not too sticky.

4. Shaping the papanasi:
Use a spoon to take portions of the cheese mixture and form balls or dumplings, depending on your preference. Make sure to shape them well so they don't fall apart during boiling.

5. Boiling the papanasi:
Put water in a large pot to boil. When the water is boiling, add the papanasi one by one, being careful not to overcrowd them. Boil for about 5-7 minutes. The papanasi are ready when they float to the surface. Let them boil for another 2 minutes to ensure they are well cooked.

6. Preparing the fried breadcrumbs:
In a pan, heat the oil and add the breadcrumbs. Fry them, stirring constantly, until they turn golden and crispy. Finally, add the sugar and vanilla sugar, mixing well to achieve a sweet and aromatic crust.

7. Coating the papanasi:
When the papanasi are ready, remove them with a spatula and place them directly in the pan with the fried breadcrumbs. Coat them well on all sides so they are evenly covered in breadcrumbs.

8. Serving:
The papanasi are served warm and are absolutely delicious! You can garnish them with sour cream and a little butter, or simply enjoy them as they are. If you want to add a touch of flavor, you can top them with a fruit sauce or sour cherry jam.

Tips and useful advice:
- Make sure the cheese is well drained to avoid a too wet mixture. You can let it drain in a cheesecloth bag for 30 minutes before using it.
- If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can use ground cereals or even crushed cookies to achieve a different crust.
- The papanasi can be frozen, so you can make a larger batch and keep them for moments when you crave something sweet.

Nutritional benefits:
These boiled papanasi are a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, and the semolina adds complex carbohydrates. Although they are a dessert, you can control the portions to enjoy a sweet snack without overdoing it on calories.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese or cottage cheese, but the result will differ depending on the type of cheese chosen.

- Can I make the papanasi without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with applesauce or yogurt, but the texture and flavor will vary.

- How can I serve the papanasi?
The papanasi can be served with various toppings, such as chocolate sauce, fresh fruits, or even ice cream.

So, don't hesitate to try this recipe for boiled papanasi with sweet cheese. It's a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and turn any meal into a special moment. Enjoy!