Recipe for making papanasi

Papanasi: Our Romanian Delight

Who hasn't heard of papanasi? This traditional Romanian dessert, with a fluffy texture and a sweet-sour taste, has won hearts over time. Originating from folk traditions, papanasi are an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it's a family Sunday meal or a gathering with friends. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step in preparing these delicious pastries to ensure you achieve a perfect result.

Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Essential ingredients:
- 200 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 1 egg
- 7-8 tablespoons of flour (wheat flour is the most suitable)
- 1 pinch of baking soda extinguished with lemon juice
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Oil for frying (sunflower oil is a good option)

For the filling:
- 1 jar of sour cream
- 1 jar of jam (preferably sour cherry or cherry, but you can choose other varieties)

Preparation of papanasi:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure that the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid a too wet mixture. You can use fresh cheese, but if you have leftover cottage cheese from other dishes, this is an excellent choice. It is important to use cheese with a high-fat content to achieve creamier papanasi.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, egg, vanilla sugar, salt, and the baking soda extinguished with lemon juice. Mix well with a fork or whisk until the mixture becomes homogeneous. It is essential that there are no large pieces of cheese left, as we want a fine texture.

3. Adding the flour:
Start gradually adding the flour. Depending on the moisture of the cottage cheese, you may need more or less flour. Mix with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a soft and slightly sticky dough that comes away from your hands. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

4. Shaping the papanasi:
Sprinkle a little flour on a work surface. Take a portion of the dough and shape it into balls about 5-6 cm in diameter. Flatten them slightly, but not too much. In the center of each ball, make a dent with your finger to create the typical shape of papanasi.

5. Frying the papanasi:
In a deep pan, heat enough oil to cover the papanasi. The oil should be well heated but not smoking. Test the oil temperature by adding a small piece of dough. If it rises to the surface and bubbles, the oil is ready. Fry the papanasi on each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy.

6. Removing and draining:
Once the papanasi are fried, remove them with a spatula and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. This is an important step to achieve crispy papanasi, but not too heavy.

7. Serving:
Papanasi are served warm, with a jar of sour cream and a jar of jam on the side. Ask your friends which jam they prefer? Sour cherry jam pairs wonderfully with the creamy taste of the sour cream and cheese. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a more appealing look.

Useful tips:
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Add a hint of flavor by including lemon or orange zest in the dough.
- Papanasi can also be served with chocolate sauce or honey for an even greater indulgence.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, but make sure it has a similar consistency and pleasant taste.
- What can I do if the dough is too soft? Add a little flour, but be careful not to make the dough too hard.
- Can I prepare the papanasi in advance? You can shape the papanasi and freeze them before frying, so they are ready when you have guests.

Nutritional benefits:
Papanasi contain protein from the cottage cheese, which contributes to muscle development and maintaining bone health. Additionally, the sour cream adds healthy fats, while the jam brings a unique flavor and a quick energy boost.

Now that you have discovered the secrets of making papanasi, all that's left is to invite your friends or family to a table full of goodness! This simple and delicious recipe will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!