Recipe for preparing cheese doughnuts

Delicious Papanasi Recipe – Quick and Simple Dessert

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

Welcome to the delicious world of papanasi! This Romanian dessert, made with cheese and sour cream, is a true delight for the taste buds. Easy to prepare, papanasi are perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. Follow the steps below to achieve the fluffiest and most delicious papanasi.

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g well-drained cottage cheese (ideally telemea or ricotta)
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 200 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Grated zest of one lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
- Oil for frying

For serving:
- Fresh sour cream
- Cherry or sour cherry jam
- Powdered sugar (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese. Use a fork to mash it well, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest, mixing well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

2. Add the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Start incorporating the flour mixture into the cheese composition, mixing with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a soft but moldable dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

3. Shape the papanasi: On a floured surface, take a portion of the dough and form balls the size of golf balls. Flatten each ball, then use your finger or a glass lid to make a dent in the center of each shape, creating the specific form of papanasi.

4. Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan, pour enough oil to cover the papanasi halfway. Heat the oil over medium heat. It is important for the oil to be well-heated to achieve a golden and crispy crust, but not so hot that it burns the papanasi.

5. Fry the papanasi: Using a spatula or spoon, carefully add the papanasi to the pan. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

6. Serve with love: Arrange the papanasi on a platter and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, with a spoonful of sour cream on top and a drizzle of cherry or sour cherry jam. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the cheese is well-drained before using it to avoid a too-wet dough.
- For a more exotic version, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- If you want to bake the papanasi, preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the papanasi on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 20-25 minutes, turning them once.

Papanasi are a dessert that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also brings a touch of joy and nostalgia in every bite. I challenge you to try them and discover how quickly and simply you can create an unforgettable dessert!