Cheese-filled doughnuts

Cottage Cheese Papanasi - A Simple and Delicious Romanian Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Papanasi are one of the most beloved traditional Romanian desserts, and this simple cottage cheese papanasi recipe will delight you with its fluffy texture and delicious flavors. Whether you serve them as a dessert at a dinner with friends or as a sweet snack with family, papanasi are always an inspired choice.

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained to avoid a too-wet dough)
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda (quenched with the juice of half a lemon)
- 200 g flour (plus extra for shaping)
- Oil for frying (or butter for a richer flavor)
- Sour cream and jam (for serving)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the cheese: Start by finely crumbling the cottage cheese in a large bowl. Make sure there are no lumps to achieve a uniform dough. If the cheese is too wet, you can drain it in a cheesecloth or place it in a bowl with a weight on top for 15 minutes.

2. Mixing the ingredients: Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, salt, and the quenched baking soda to the cottage cheese. Use a spatula or a mixer with paddles to homogenize the mixture. Make sure everything is well incorporated, and the composition becomes creamy and airy.

3. Incorporating the flour: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing constantly. When the dough becomes hard to mix with a spatula, you can use your hands to knead it gently. The flour should be enough to obtain a soft but not sticky dough. If the dough remains too wet, you can add a little more flour.

4. Shaping the papanasi: On a lightly floured surface, form dough balls the size of a ping-pong ball. Flatten each ball with your palm and, using your finger, make a dent in the center of each papanas. This will help with even frying and maintaining the shape.

5. Frying: In a large skillet, add enough oil to completely cover the bottom. Heat the oil over medium heat. When ready, add the papanasi and fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

6. Serving: Remove the papanasi onto a plate covered with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve them warm, with sour cream and berry or sour cherry jam. Another delicious option is to sprinkle them with powdered sugar and cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.

Practical tips:

- Choosing the cheese: Fresh and well-drained cottage cheese is essential for achieving perfect dough. You can also use sheep cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Oven version: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the papanasi in the oven. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the papanasi on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, baking them for 15-20 minutes.
- Variations: Add grated lemon or orange zest to the mixture for an extra flavor boost. You can also experiment with different types of jam or toppings, such as melted chocolate or caramel sauce.

Now that you have all the necessary information to prepare cottage cheese papanasi, all that’s left is to start cooking! Enjoy your meal!