To prepare a truly special delicacy, we start by placing the dried plums in a generous bowl. We add the rum, water, and the cinnamon stick, gently mixing to ensure that all the ingredients are well integrated. We cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let the mixture sit for an hour, allowing the flavors to develop and the plums to hydrate properly. After this interval, we drain the plums and carefully keep the liquid, which will be used later to enhance the flavor of the dish.
In a frying pan, we turn our attention to the breadcrumbs. We caramelize the sugar over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning, until it becomes golden and liquid. It is important to be patient in this process, as proper caramelization will add depth and a pleasant sweetness to the breadcrumbs. Once the sugar is caramelized, we add the breadcrumbs and fry the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to ensure that the breadcrumbs are evenly coated in caramel. We add the cinnamon, mix well, and let the breadcrumbs cool, preparing them to coat the papanasi.
To prepare the papanasi, we boil water in a large pot together with the liquid saved from the plums. This step will help flavor the papanasi. Meanwhile, in another bowl, we beat the butter with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and the sugar is completely dissolved. We add the semolina, cottage cheese, and mix until we obtain a homogeneous composition. The next step is to incorporate the egg yolk, vanilla essence, and then the flour, mixing carefully to avoid lumps.
Once the dough is ready, we divide the mixture into 12 equal pieces. Each piece is gently flattened, and in the center of each portion, we place a hydrated plum. We lift the edges of the dough and carefully close it around the plum, forming uniform balls. These dough balls are then transferred to the pot of boiling water, where we let them boil over medium to low heat until they rise to the surface, indicating that they are ready.
Once the papanasi have surfaced, we remove them with a slotted spoon and coat them in the caramelized breadcrumbs, making sure they are evenly covered on all sides. These delicious papanasi, with a fluffy texture and sweet plum filling, are ideal to be served warm, alongside a cup of tea or coffee, providing an unforgettable culinary experience.
In a frying pan, we turn our attention to the breadcrumbs. We caramelize the sugar over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning, until it becomes golden and liquid. It is important to be patient in this process, as proper caramelization will add depth and a pleasant sweetness to the breadcrumbs. Once the sugar is caramelized, we add the breadcrumbs and fry the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to ensure that the breadcrumbs are evenly coated in caramel. We add the cinnamon, mix well, and let the breadcrumbs cool, preparing them to coat the papanasi.
To prepare the papanasi, we boil water in a large pot together with the liquid saved from the plums. This step will help flavor the papanasi. Meanwhile, in another bowl, we beat the butter with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and the sugar is completely dissolved. We add the semolina, cottage cheese, and mix until we obtain a homogeneous composition. The next step is to incorporate the egg yolk, vanilla essence, and then the flour, mixing carefully to avoid lumps.
Once the dough is ready, we divide the mixture into 12 equal pieces. Each piece is gently flattened, and in the center of each portion, we place a hydrated plum. We lift the edges of the dough and carefully close it around the plum, forming uniform balls. These dough balls are then transferred to the pot of boiling water, where we let them boil over medium to low heat until they rise to the surface, indicating that they are ready.
Once the papanasi have surfaced, we remove them with a slotted spoon and coat them in the caramelized breadcrumbs, making sure they are evenly covered on all sides. These delicious papanasi, with a fluffy texture and sweet plum filling, are ideal to be served warm, alongside a cup of tea or coffee, providing an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients
For papanasi - 12 dried plums - 50 ml rum - 200 ml hot water - 1 cinnamon stick - 50 g butter - 1 tablespoon sugar - 50 g semolina - 250 g cottage cheese - 1 egg yolk - 1 teaspoon vanilla essence - 60 g flour, sifted For breadcrumbs: - 200 g breadcrumbs - 100 g sugar - 2 teaspoons cinnamon