Recipe for making cheese doughnuts

Papanasi Recipe: The Nostalgic Dessert of Childhood

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4 servings (approximately 8 papanasi)

Papanasi are a traditional dessert, full of flavor and memories, reminding us of warm summer days and moments spent with loved ones. These fluffy donuts, filled with cheese and served with jam, are the perfect choice for a weekend meal or to impress guests. In this recipe, I will share with you the secret to making delicious and fluffy papanasi that will delight your senses.

Ingredients:

- 600 g of fresh cheese (or soft cottage cheese)
- 5 large eggs (or 6 smaller ones)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 2 large cups of flour (approximately 400 g)
- Apple jam (or sour cherry, quince)
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar (approximately 50 g)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by placing the cheese in a large bowl. Add the eggs, salt, and vanilla sugar. Use a fork or mixer to mix everything well until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If using cottage cheese, make sure it is well-drained.

2. Incorporating the Flour:
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking soda. This ingredient will help the papanasi become fluffy and airy. Pour the flour mixture over the cheese and egg mixture. Start kneading the dough with your hands (or with a dough mixer). It is important that the dough is not too hard; if needed, you can wet your hands with water to handle it more easily.

3. Shaping the Papanasi:
On a plastic wrap or a floured countertop, take a portion of dough and shape it into balls about 5-6 cm in diameter. In the center of each ball, make a hole by joining your thumb with your index finger. Slightly enlarge the hole to achieve the specific shape of papanasi. Let them rest for 5 minutes.

4. Frying:
In a deep pan, pour enough oil (about 2 cm) and let it heat up. When the oil is well heated, carefully add the papanasi. Fry them on low heat to avoid burning – 3-4 minutes on each side, until they become golden and crispy. When you take them out, they will be slightly hard on the outside but will soften as they cool.

5. Serving:
After removing the papanasi from the pan, dust them with powdered sugar and place a teaspoon of apple jam on each. This sweet and tangy combination will make every bite a true delight.

Practical Tips:

- Choosing Ingredients: Use fresh cheese, as it will give the papanasi a better texture. If you prefer, you can use cottage cheese, but make sure it is well-drained.
- What to Pair Them With: Papanasi can be served with various types of jam, from apples to sour cherries or even raspberry jam. Additionally, a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream alongside the papanasi will turn the dessert into a true treat.

Nutritional Benefits:
Papanasi are a good source of protein due to the eggs and cheese. Additionally, fresh cheese is rich in calcium, essential for bone health. However, considering the sugar and oil content, it is best to consume them in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can they be prepared a day in advance? Yes, you can prepare the papanasi a day in advance. You can store them in an airtight container, and before serving, you can reheat them slightly in the oven.
- What can I do with the leftover dough? If you have leftover dough, you can make smaller papanasi or pancakes. The dough is versatile and can be adapted based on preferences.

Possible Variations:
- You can add grated lemon or orange peel to the dough for a fresh taste.
- Instead of jam, you can serve the papanasi with chocolate or caramel sauce.

This papanasi recipe is not just a delicious dessert, but also a way to share unforgettable moments with loved ones. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends! Enjoy your meal!