Moldovan noodles

Moldovan Nalangate - A Delicacy from the Roots of Nostalgia

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t remember the sweet and fluffy taste of nalangate, those delicious doughnuts that pampered our childhood? For many of us, these wonders are tied to cherished memories, moments spent with family, when mothers and grandmothers gathered us around the table to offer us a portion of happiness. Moldovan nalangate are more than just a simple dessert - they are a part of our culinary heritage, a quick and easy recipe, but with a taste that makes us feel at home.

Did you know that these doughnuts don’t require much flour and are made with the simplest ingredients? Let’s start our culinary adventure!

Necessary ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 100 g of salty cheese (preferably cottage cheese or telemea)
- 1 jar of yogurt (250 ml, preferably natural)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda quenched with vinegar
- Preferred flavors (vanilla, rum essence, or lemon zest)
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the bottom of the pan)
- Flour (about 1 cup, but add gradually until you get the desired consistency)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the cheese is well crumbled and the yogurt is at room temperature to facilitate mixing.

2. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the four eggs with a whisk or mixer until foamy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture of the nalangate.

3. Adding the cheese: Add the crumbled salty cheese to the egg mixture and mix well. The cheese will add a salty taste and a pleasant texture to the doughnuts.

4. Incorporating the yogurt: Pour the yogurt over the egg and cheese mixture, continuously mixing to obtain a homogeneous composition.

5. Baking soda and flavors: Add the baking soda quenched with vinegar and the preferred flavors. The baking soda will help the dough rise, while the flavors will provide an extra touch of taste.

6. Adding the flour: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon, until you achieve a consistency similar to that of sour cream. Be careful not to add too much flour, as the doughnuts will become dense.

7. Resting the dough: Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. This step will allow the ingredients to integrate better and develop a fluffier texture.

8. Frying the nalangate: In a deep pan, heat the oil until hot. Using a spoon, take portions of dough and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry them on both sides until golden and fluffy.

9. Finalizing: Once the doughnuts are ready, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. Dust them with powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness.

10. Serving: Nalangate are delicious warm, served with a glass of milk or a cup of flavored tea. You can also experiment with various toppings, such as jams or honey, to add a personal touch.

Practical tips:
- If you want to make the nalangate less salty, use sweet cheese or reduce the amount of salty cheese.
- You can also add some dried fruits or nuts to the dough for an interesting texture.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the dough to avoid excessive oil absorption.

Frequently asked questions:
- What other ingredients can I use instead of cheese? You can try ricotta cheese or soy cheese for a vegetarian option.
- Can I freeze them? Yes, nalangate can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume them fresh for the best texture.
- How can I make them less caloric? You can reduce the oil used for frying, trying to bake them in the oven on a lightly oiled tray.

Nutritional benefits:
Nalangate are a good source of protein due to the eggs and cheese, while yogurt provides calcium and probiotics. However, it is essential to consume them in moderation, considering the calorie content from the oil used for frying.

Possible variations:
- For a sweeter version, you can add some sugar to the egg mixture.
- If you want a more intense flavor, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the composition.

These Moldovan nalangate are more than just a simple dessert; they represent a connection to our traditions, to moments of joy and the nostalgia of childhood. So let’s enjoy every bite and share these moments with our loved ones!