Recipe for making cheese doughnuts

Papanasi - A Traditional Delicacy

Papanasii are a beloved Romanian delicacy that perfectly combines sweet cheese with a sweet-sour taste, offering a culinary experience that brings a smile to your lips. These cheesy doughnuts, with their soft texture and unmistakable taste, are often served as a dessert, but can also be savored as a sweet dish for breakfast or a snack. Let's discover together how to prepare this simple and delicious recipe!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 600 g sweet cheese (preferably cow's cheese, but you can also use goat's cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 3 eggs (2 whole + 1 yolk)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust to taste)
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 300 g flour (use 000-type wheat flour for a finer texture)
- 1 baking powder
- Grated zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh touch)
- Frying oil (choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil)
- Cream (for serving)
- Jam or jam (personal preference, but cherry jam is a classic choice)

Preparation

1. Start by mixing the eggs with the sugar and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Use a whisk or a whisk to get a smooth mixture. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve and the eggs to become fluffy.

2. After the 10 minutes, add the crumbled sweet cheese (make sure the cheese is well drained of the whey so that the mixture isn't too wet). Stir well to incorporate the cheese.

3. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and grated lemon zest. Add this mixture gradually to the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Stir in the breadcrumbs to make a soft but easily moldable dough. The dough should be a little sticky but not too wet. If necessary, you can adjust the amount of flour or semolina.

4. Now, with your hands greased with a little oil, take a spoonful of the dough and form small balls. Flatten them slightly and make a hole in the middle, so that you get the classic papanas shape. This hole will help the papanas to bake evenly.

5. In a deep saucepan (or deep frying pan), add enough oil to cover the papanas well. Heat the oil over medium heat. Check if the oil is ready by inserting a small piece of batter - if it starts to sizzle, the oil is ready.

6. Fry the papanas over medium heat, 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. It's important not to crowd the pan, otherwise the oil temperature will drop and the papanas will not be crispy.

7. Once fried, remove the papanas to a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Then roll them in powdered sugar for a sweet taste and attractive presentation.

8. Serve the papanas warm, with a dollop of sour cream on the sides and a jam or jam in the middle. These are delicious and can be personalized with toppings such as ground nuts, chocolate or fresh fruit to suit your preferences.

Practical tips

- For a more intense taste and flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla essence to the egg mixture.
- If you want to experiment, replace some of the sweet cheese with ricotta or cottage cheese for a different texture.
- Papanas can also be fried in coconut oil, giving them an exotic flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Papanas are a good source of protein thanks to the cheese and eggs. The semolina and flour add carbohydrates, providing energy. Although they are a dessert, they can be part of a balanced diet if eaten in moderation. However, as they are fried, they are best enjoyed on special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use soy cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Answer: Yes, but the taste will be different and the texture may be softer.

2. How can I store papanas?
Answer: It is recommended to serve them immediately after frying, but they can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat them before serving.

3. Can I freeze papanas?
Answer: You can, but the texture may change after defrosting. Freezing is only recommended if absolutely necessary.

Recipes and Complementary Drinks

Papanas go great with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or flavored tea. You can also pair them with a fresh fruit salad or vanilla ice cream for a complete experience.

Now that you have all the information you need, it's time to get cooking! Enjoy the cooking process and, most of all, the end result - warm and delicious papanas that are sure to be admired by your loved ones. Enjoy!