Recipe for making cheese doughnuts

Papanasi: The Traditional Delight of Desserts

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Papanasi are a classic dessert, often associated with joyful childhood moments, when their sweet aroma and soft texture made us feel enveloped by the warmth of home. These cheese doughnuts, served with sour cream and jam, symbolize hospitality and culinary tradition, bringing together flavors and textures that delight any palate. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the fluffiest and most delicious papanasi, perfect for enjoying with loved ones.

Ingredients

- 500 g cottage cheese (I recommend Pilos cheese for a creamy texture)
- 350 g flour
- 4 tablespoons semolina
- 100 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Oil for frying
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Jam (preferably sour cherry or blueberry for a delicious contrast)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the dough

Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the cottage cheese is well drained to avoid a too wet dough. In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese and mash it with a fork. Then, add the sugar, vanilla sugar, semolina, salt, lemon zest, and eggs. Mix the ingredients well with a whisk or spatula until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

2. Adding dry ingredients

Douse the baking soda with a tablespoon of vinegar (this will help the dough rise) and add it to the mixture. Then, begin to gradually add the flour. It is important to mix gently so as not to develop too much gluten, which could make the papanasi tough. After incorporating all the flour, you should have a soft dough that can be easily shaped with the help of flour.

3. Resting the dough

Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes. This step is essential to allow the ingredients to combine and hydrate properly, resulting in a dough that is easier to shape.

4. Shaping the papanasi

After resting, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. With floured hands, take a piece and form two balls: one small (about the size of a walnut) and one large, which you flatten. Use your finger to make a hole in the center of the large ball, thus obtaining the characteristic shape of the papanasi.

5. Frying the papanasi

Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. It is important that the oil is well heated but not smoking, to avoid burning the papanasi. Fry the papanasi two or three at a time, depending on the size of the pan. Let them brown nicely on both sides for about 3-5 minutes on each side. When they turn golden, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

6. Serving

Papanasi are served warm, with a generous layer of sour cream on top and a portion of jam on the side. If you wish to add a touch of refinement, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top. This combination of textures and flavors will make each bite a true delight.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the cheese: Cottage cheese is essential in this recipe. Look for a cheese with low moisture content to avoid a too sticky dough.
- The jam: Choose your favorite jam for a contrast in taste, but you can also experiment with fresh fruit sauces.
- Healthier option: If you want a healthier version, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or reduce the amount of sugar.
- Additional flavors: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough to enhance the aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Ideally, you should use cottage cheese, but you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone for a different texture.

2. Can I freeze the papanasi?
Yes, frozen papanasi can be reheated by frying directly from the freezer, but I recommend frying them fresh for the best flavor and texture.

3. What can I serve with papanasi?
Besides sour cream and jam, you can serve papanasi with vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

Papanasi are a delicacy, but like any dessert, it is important to consume them in moderation. One serving of papanasi (one papanas) has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamins, and moderate consumption of sugar and fats can be part of a balanced diet.

Personal Note

I fondly remember the days when my mom made papanasi on weekends. The aroma that spread throughout the house was simply irresistible. Now, when I make them for my family, I feel connected to those warm and loving moments. So, I encourage you to invite your family for a cooking session and create unforgettable memories around this delicious recipe!

Now, it's time to put on your apron and enjoy making your papanasi! I can't wait to hear how they turned out!