Recipe for making papanasi

Papanasi: The Romanian Delight of Desserts

Who doesn't love a dessert that combines the creamy taste of cheese with the sweet aroma of jam? Papanasi, these fluffy and delicious doughnuts, are a true culinary treasure, symbolizing gastronomic tradition. This reinterpreted recipe will bring you joy and satisfaction, quickly becoming a family favorite. Moreover, it is a simple recipe, ideal for any occasion. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 2 large eggs
- 6-7 tablespoons of sugar
- 450 g flour (plus extra for shaping)
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 2 sachets of vanilla sugar
- 1-2 drops of lemon essence
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Jam (sour cherry or your favorite flavor)

Preparation:

Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese. Make sure it is well-drained to avoid a too-wet dough. Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and lemon essence. Mix well with a fork or spatula until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

Step 2: Incorporating the Flour
Add the baking soda and start incorporating the flour gradually, mixing continuously. The dough should become elastic and easy to handle, without sticking to your hands. If necessary, you can add a little more flour. It is important not to add all the flour at once to avoid making the dough too dense.

Step 3: Resting the Dough
Once you have obtained a homogeneous dough, let it rest for 15 minutes. This resting time will help the gluten relax, making the dough easier to shape.

Step 4: Shaping the Papanasi
After the dough has rested, sprinkle a little flour on a work surface. Take a portion of the dough and form balls the size of a golf ball. Flatten each ball and make a hole in the middle to achieve the classic doughnut shape.

Step 5: Preparing for Frying
In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the papanasi to avoid excessive oil absorption. You can check the oil temperature by adding a small piece of dough; if it starts to sizzle immediately, it's ready.

Step 6: Frying the Papanasi
Carefully add the papanasi to the hot oil, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry them until golden on both sides, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Use a spatula to turn them carefully.

Step 7: Draining the Oil
Once the papanasi are fried, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 8: Serving
Place the papanasi on a plate. Spread a generous layer of sour cream on top, add sour cherry jam (or your favorite) and place a small ball of fried dough for added texture. You can repeat this process to create a delicious layer of sour cream and jam.

Practical Tips:
- You can use homemade cottage cheese for a more authentic taste. Make sure it is well-drained.
- Experiment with different types of jam: strawberry, raspberry, or peach. Each flavor will bring a unique note to your dessert.
- Papanasi are delicious even when cold, so feel free to prepare them in advance. You can keep them in the fridge and serve them the next day.
- If you want to add a crunchy note, you can sprinkle some ground nuts or almonds on top.

Nutritional Benefits:
Papanasi are a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs. Additionally, the jams add vitamins and antioxidants, depending on the fruits used. Although they are a dessert, moderate consumption can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can try ricotta or mascarpone, but make sure to adjust the amount of flour to compensate for the moisture.

2. How can I make the papanasi less caloric?
You can reduce the amount of sugar and use low-fat sour cream. Additionally, baking them in the oven can be a healthier option.

3. Can papanasi be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the fried papanasi. You can reheat them in the oven to regain their crispy texture.

Papanasi are a versatile and delicious dessert that can be adapted to everyone's preferences. With every bite, you will feel how culinary tradition blends with your creativity. So don’t wait any longer, put on your kitchen apron and enjoy this simple yet flavorful recipe! Bon appétit!