Recipe for making papanasi

Delicious Papanasi: A Quick and Tasty Dessert Recipe

Papanasi are a traditional dessert loved by many generations, evoking memories of moments spent with loved ones. With a fine texture and a delicious taste, these cheese doughnuts are perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to serve them as a dessert after a hearty meal or simply as a sweet snack, papanasi will not disappoint. In this recipe, I will share the essential steps to achieve perfect papanasi, along with some interesting tips and variations.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4 servings

Necessary Ingredients

- 500 g of cottage cheese (preferably well-drained and water-free)
- 2 large eggs
- Approximately 20 tablespoons of flour (or as needed to achieve a non-sticky dough)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or 2 tablespoons of regular sugar and vanilla essence)
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of baking soda quenched with a teaspoon of lemon juice
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the papanasi)

Preparing the Papanasi

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained. You can use fresh or frozen cheese, but the latter should be thawed and drained.

2. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with a whisk or mixer until frothy. Add the cottage cheese, vanilla sugar, salt, and quenched baking soda. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

3. Adding the Flour: Start incorporating the flour, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a spatula or your hands. Continue adding flour until the dough no longer sticks to your hands. It is important for the dough to be soft but not sticky.

4. Forming the Papanasi: Divide the dough into four equal parts. From each part, form two balls: one larger and one smaller for the cap. Using a lightly floured finger, press the larger ball in the middle to create a hole. This is the distinctive feature of papanasi.

5. Frying the Papanasi: In a pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking. Carefully place the papanasi in the hot oil and fry until they rise to the surface and turn golden, about 3-5 minutes on each side. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

6. Serving: Papanasi are delicious served warm, filled with strawberry jam (or any other favorite jam) and topped with a spoonful of sour cream. It is best for the jam to be thicker so that it does not slide off the papanasi.

Tips and Practical Advice

- The Jam: You can experiment with different types of jam, such as sour cherry, blackberry, or even apricot jam. Choose the version you like best!
- The Cheese: If you want a more intense flavor, you can combine cottage cheese with a bit of telemea cheese, but use it sparingly.
- Diet Version: You can use low-fat cheese for a lighter version of this dessert.
- If you enjoy stronger flavors, you can add a splash of rum or orange essence to the dough.

Nutrition and Calories

One serving of papanasi (2 pieces) contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the type of jam chosen. Papanasi are a good source of protein due to the cheese, but be mindful of the sugar content in the jam.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Why should I use baking soda? Baking soda helps make the papanasi fluffier and gives them an airy texture.
- Can I make them ahead of time? It is recommended to prepare them fresh, but you can prepare the dough a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge.
- What drinks pair well with papanasi? A flavored coffee or a fruit tea are excellent options that complement the sweetness of the papanasi.

Conclusion

Making papanasi is a joyful activity that brings you closer to culinary traditions. Whether you enjoy them with family or host a small gathering, papanasi are surely a dessert that will delight everyone. So, don’t hesitate and let your creativity flow in the kitchen! Enjoy your meal!