To prepare a delicious and easy-to-make dessert, we start by mixing a fresh egg well with a generous amount of sugar, ensuring it dissolves completely. We add ricotta or cottage cheese, which will give a creamy texture and a pleasant taste. It is essential to also add baking soda dissolved in lemon juice, as this ingredient will help aerate the dough and contribute to achieving a fluffy consistency. Vanilla powder and grated lemon zest bring an unmistakable fragrance and a fresh aroma, turning the dessert into a true delight. If you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to add a few extra tablespoons of sugar, thus adapting the recipe to your taste.
Once we have obtained a homogeneous mixture, it is time to incorporate the flour. It is important to add the flour gradually and mix gently to avoid lumps. You will notice that the dough becomes quite soft, but do not worry; this is the desired consistency. Before forming the papanasi, we will well flour our hands to manipulate the dough without difficulties. We take a small portion of the mixture and form medium-sized balls, being careful not to make them too large so they fry evenly. From my experience, this amount of dough yields about 9 pieces.
After shaping the balls, we will gently flatten them, creating a small indentation in the center of each ball. This will help with even frying and create an attractive appearance. In a deep frying pan, we heat the oil until it reaches the optimal frying temperature. It is important for the oil to be well heated to achieve a perfectly golden crust. We place the papanasi in the hot oil and fry them on each side until they become golden and crispy. After frying, we remove them with a spatula and place them on a plate covered with absorbent kitchen paper to drain excess oil.
This dessert can be served plain, sprinkled with powdered sugar, or you can add a generous portion of sour cream and fruit jam for an extra touch of flavor. The papanasi will surely be a hit at any meal, bringing a touch of joy and a perfect taste in every bite.
Once we have obtained a homogeneous mixture, it is time to incorporate the flour. It is important to add the flour gradually and mix gently to avoid lumps. You will notice that the dough becomes quite soft, but do not worry; this is the desired consistency. Before forming the papanasi, we will well flour our hands to manipulate the dough without difficulties. We take a small portion of the mixture and form medium-sized balls, being careful not to make them too large so they fry evenly. From my experience, this amount of dough yields about 9 pieces.
After shaping the balls, we will gently flatten them, creating a small indentation in the center of each ball. This will help with even frying and create an attractive appearance. In a deep frying pan, we heat the oil until it reaches the optimal frying temperature. It is important for the oil to be well heated to achieve a perfectly golden crust. We place the papanasi in the hot oil and fry them on each side until they become golden and crispy. After frying, we remove them with a spatula and place them on a plate covered with absorbent kitchen paper to drain excess oil.
This dessert can be served plain, sprinkled with powdered sugar, or you can add a generous portion of sour cream and fruit jam for an extra touch of flavor. The papanasi will surely be a hit at any meal, bringing a touch of joy and a perfect taste in every bite.
Ingredients
Recipe for making cheese donuts for 9 pieces: 250 g of cottage cheese/ricotta, 1 egg, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 150 g of flour 00, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, grated lemon peel, 1 packet of vanilla powder, oil for frying, powdered sugar.