Papanasi

Delicious Cheese Papanasi Recipe

Papanasi are a traditional dessert that any sweet tooth cannot miss. These cheese donuts are fluffy and aromatic, and the combination of sour cream and jam transforms them into an unforgettable culinary experience. It’s a quick and simple dessert to prepare that will delight your family and friends every time. Let’s begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 400g of full-fat cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 2 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of baking soda extinguished with lemon
- About 15 tablespoons of flour (may vary depending on the moisture of the cheese)
- A packet of vanilla sugar
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the papanasi)
- Sour cream for serving
- Jam of choice (cherry, sour cherry, or raspberry are ideal)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the well-drained cheese. Use a fork or whisk to crush it lightly until it becomes a smooth paste. This will be the delicious base of your papanasi.

2. Adding wet ingredients:
Crack the two eggs over the cheese, add the salt, the baking soda extinguished with lemon, and the vanilla sugar. Mix everything energetically with a wooden spoon or, for a more homogeneous result, with your hands. Make sure all ingredients are well integrated.

3. Including the flour:
Start adding the flour gradually, one tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously. Continue adding flour until the mixture no longer sticks to your hands. It is important not to add too much flour, as the papanasi will be fluffier the wetter the mixture is.

4. Forming the papanasi:
Take a piece of dough and roll it between your palms to form large and small balls. The large balls will become papanasi, while the small ones can be used to create mini-papanasi or simple snacks. Use your finger to make a dent in the center of the large balls, forming a small hole. This will help during frying and give a characteristic appearance.

5. Frying:
In a deep skillet, heat the oil until it reaches medium temperature (about 180°C). The oil should be deep enough to cover the papanasi. Check the temperature by adding a small cube of dough; if it starts to sizzle and rise to the surface, it’s ready. Carefully add the papanasi to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden and floating to the surface.

6. Draining excess oil:
Once the papanasi are fried, remove them with a spatula and place them on a plate covered with paper towels to eliminate excess oil.

7. Serving:
Serve the papanasi warm, dressed with a generous layer of sour cream and jam. A combination of sour cherry or raspberry jam pairs perfectly, bringing a touch of acidity that complements the rich taste of the cheese.

Useful tips:
- Choosing the cheese: It is essential to use full-fat, well-drained cheese to achieve a fluffy texture. If the cheese is too wet, the papanasi will be heavy and may fall apart during frying.
- Variations: You can add a bit of vanilla or lemon zest to the dough for extra flavor. Also, instead of jam, you can try toppings like melted chocolate or fresh fruits.
- Frequently asked questions:
- What should I do if the dough is too soft? Gradually add more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
- Can I freeze the papanasi? Yes, but it’s recommended to freeze them un-fried. Fry them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- How can I keep the papanasi fresh? It’s best to consume them immediately, but if you keep them, cover them with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Nutritional benefits:
Papanasi made with cheese are a good source of protein due to the cheese and provide carbohydrates from the flour, which will give you energy. The sour cream adds a dose of healthy fats, and the jam brings extra vitamins, depending on the fruits used.

These delicious donuts are perfect for a weekend meal, a brunch with friends, or simply as a tasty dessert after a delicious dinner. Don’t forget to share them with your loved ones to turn every bite into a pleasant memory! Bon appétit!