Dessert papanasi with sour cream and cherry jam

Today's dessert is a true delight that will bring a smile to everyone's face! We are talking about papanasi with sour cream and cherry jam, a classic recipe full of flavor and nostalgia. Papanasi are those delicious, fluffy, golden doughnuts that delight our taste buds and remind us of moments spent with family. Let's discover together how to prepare this quick and simple dessert, perfect for any occasion!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 2-3 hours
Frying time: 10-15 minutes
Total: 2-3 hours and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained to avoid a too-wet dough)
- 2 fresh eggs
- 3-4 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- A drop of lemon juice (to activate the baking soda)
- 200 g flour
- Grated zest of one lemon (for added flavor)
- Vanilla essence (or a packet of vanilla sugar)
- A pinch of salt

For decoration:
- 200 ml heavy cream (preferably with a fat content of 25% or more)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (to sweeten the cream)
- Cherry jam (for a delicious tart contrast)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the dough
Start by crumbling the cottage cheese. You can use a fork or even a mixer to make it finer. Then, in a large bowl, add the crumbled cheese, eggs, sugar, baking soda dissolved in lemon juice, flour, lemon zest, and vanilla essence. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough. The dough should be soft, similar to that of a sweet bread.

2. Cooling the dough
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough chill for 2-3 hours. This step is crucial as it helps blend the flavors and achieve a fluffy texture. During this time, you can take care of other preparations or simply relax.

3. Forming the papanasi
After the dough has chilled, take it out and form rings and balls. Take a portion of dough and shape it into a ring with a hole in the middle, then from the remaining dough, form a small ball that you will place in the center of the ring. Make sure the ball fits perfectly in the hole, creating an attractive appearance.

4. Frying the papanasi
In a deep pan, heat the oil (make sure there is enough oil for the papanasi to float). The oil must be well-heated to prevent the papanasi from absorbing too much oil. Fry the papanasi on both sides until they become golden and crispy. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.

5. Preparing the decoration
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the cream with sugar until you obtain a white, homogeneous paste. This will add extra creaminess to your dessert.

Serving
To serve the papanasi, place a ring on each plate, put the ball in the middle, and add the cherry jam on top. Finally, generously pour the cream and sugar mixture over them. This combination of flavors will create a contrast of textures and tastes that will make you fall in love with this dessert!

Useful tips:
- Cheese: Make sure the cheese is well-drained. If you use fresh cheese, you can leave it in a grater or put it in a clean towel and let it drain before use.
- Oil: Use oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil, to avoid burning. The oil should be well-heated but not smoking.
- Healthy variant: You can replace the cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter but equally delicious option.

Nutritional benefits
Papanasi are a good source of protein due to the cheese, and the cream adds extra calcium. Additionally, the cherry jam provides antioxidants. However, it is important to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or goat cheese for a different taste.
- How can I store the papanasi? It is recommended to consume them fresh, but you can keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- Can I freeze the papanasi? Yes, you can freeze them after they have completely cooled. You can reheat them in the oven to regain their crispy texture.

Combining with other recipes
Papanasi pair perfectly with a fragrant coffee or a fruit tea. You can also serve them with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for an extra touch of elegance.

I wish you happy cooking and enjoy every bite of these delicious papanasi! As you savor them, don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones so they can also enjoy a sweet moment together!