Cheese doughnuts with raspberry jam

Papanasi with raspberry jam - an irresistible delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Imagine a sunny day, when the aroma of freshly fried sweets fills the air, inviting you to gather around the table with loved ones. Papanasi with raspberry jam are more than just a dessert; they are an unforgettable experience, a symbol of joy and conviviality. This simple recipe will teach you how to prepare this traditional delicacy, enveloping it in the flavors of fresh raspberries and creamy sour cream.

Basic ingredients

- 200 grams of fresh cheese (ideally, use cottage cheese, but ricotta or goat cheese can also provide an interesting texture)
- 100 grams of sugar (you can adjust the amount according to personal preferences)
- 2 eggs (make sure they are fresh!)
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and the grated zest of one lemon (adds a note of freshness)
- 1 drop of vanilla essence (for a warm aroma)
- 1 drop of almond essence (optional, but adds extra flavor)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (for an even more aromatic taste)
- 1 pinch of salt (helps balance the sweetness)
- 500 g of flour (you may need a little extra)
- Oil for frying (choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil)
- Sour cream and raspberry jam for serving (don’t forget to use fresh raspberries for an intense flavor!)

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by bringing all the ingredients to room temperature. This step is essential as the ingredients will combine better if they are at the same temperature.

2. Mixing the cheese
In a large bowl, add the fresh cheese, sugar, eggs, salt, essences, and lemon zest. Using a fork or a hand mixer, mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

3. Adding the flour
Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually incorporate it into the cheese mixture. You may need more flour depending on the consistency of the dough. The goal is to obtain a soft dough that does not stick to your hands.

4. Shaping the papanasi
Divide the dough into 6 larger balls (about the size of a peach) to form the discs, and then make 6 smaller balls to create the "crowns" of the papanasi. Ensure that the balls are uniform for even baking.

5. Frying the papanasi
Heat the oil in a deep pan. Check if the oil is hot enough by adding a small piece of dough; if it starts to sizzle immediately, it’s ready. Fry the discs and balls on both sides, being careful not to increase the temperature too much, or else the papanasi will brown on the outside but remain raw inside. When they turn golden, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

6. Serving
Papanasi are delicious warm! Place them on a platter, add a spoonful of sour cream on top, and a generous portion of raspberry jam. For an even more appealing look, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top.

Chef's tip
A trick I’ve learned over the years is to add a little sunflower oil to the sour cream to make it smoother and easier to spread on the papanasi. You can also experiment with different jams, such as peach or blueberry, to change the flavor a bit.

Nutritional information
Papanasi are a good source of protein due to the cheese, but they are also quite caloric due to the sugar and frying oil. One serving (one large papanas) contains approximately 300 calories, so enjoy them in moderation!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese, ricotta, or goat cheese, but the result will vary depending on the type of cheese chosen.

2. How can I store papanasi?
Papanasi are best fresh, but you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. You can reheat them in the oven to regain their crispy texture.

3. What can I pair with papanasi?
You can serve them alongside a fragrant tea or a soft cappuccino. Also, vanilla or raspberry ice cream would make a perfect combination!

Delicious variations

If you want to add a personal touch to the recipe, you can try adding a few chocolate chips or even some grated ginger to the dough for a surprising taste. You can also turn the papanasi into a seasonal dessert by adding pumpkin puree in the fall or orange essence for a vibrant citrus flavor.

Personal note

This raspberry jam papanasi recipe holds sentimental value for me as it reminds me of the evenings spent with family, where each member contributed something. Whether it was preparing the dough or choosing the best raspberries, these moments are what transform cooking into a true art. So, don’t hesitate to add a little of your soul to every recipe!

Savor every bite of this quick and simple dessert, and remember: the joy of cooking lies in the details and in the love with which you prepare meals for your loved ones! Enjoy!