Recipe for making papanasi

Delicious Papanasi: A Classic Recipe in a Simple Version

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Papanasi are a traditional dessert, loved by many, that combines the fragrant breeze of cheese with the juicy sweetness of sugar. This simple recipe will take you on a journey down memory lane, where each bite is an explosion of flavors and textures. Today, I will show you how to prepare fluffy papanasi, without using sour cream or jam, just a simple dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a quick recipe, perfect for days when you need a sweet treat without too much hassle.

Ingredients:

- 400 g of cottage cheese (use well-drained cheese to avoid a too wet dough)
- 2 eggs (at room temperature, for better incorporation into the mixture)
- 100 g of sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- Zest of one lemon and one orange (to add a touch of freshness)
- Flour (enough to obtain a dough that does not stick to your hands, about 150-200 g)
- Oil for frying (preferably sunflower oil for a neutral taste)
- Powdered sugar (to dust the papanasi at the end)

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on a work surface. Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid a too wet dough. You can use fresh cottage cheese or, if you want a more intense flavor, smoked cottage cheese.

2. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, and lemon and orange zest. Use a fork or a whisk to combine the ingredients. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

3. Adding the flour: Start adding flour gradually, mixing continuously. Add flour until the dough becomes firm enough not to stick to your hands. It is important not to add too much flour, as the papanasi will become heavier.

4. Shaping the papanasi: Take a piece of dough and shape it into a ball. Then, gently press in the center with your finger or the rim of a glass to form an indentation. Repeat the process until you finish the dough.

5. Heating the oil: In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. It is essential that the oil is hot enough to fry the papanasi evenly, but not so hot that they burn.

6. Frying the papanasi: When the oil is hot, carefully add the papanasi, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy. Use a spatula to turn them carefully.

7. Finalizing: Once the papanasi are fried, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Let them cool slightly, then dust them generously with powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions:
Papanasi are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for an extra flavor boost. Add some fresh fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a contrast of flavors and colors.

Tips and Practical Advice:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the mixture.
- Make sure the oil is well heated, but not burning. You can check the temperature by adding a small piece of dough; if it rises to the surface and starts to sizzle, the oil is ready.
- If the dough becomes too soft, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour, but in moderation.

Nutritional Benefits:
Papanasi are a source of quick carbohydrates due to the sugar, but also of proteins from the cheese. However, consume them in moderation, as they can be caloric. One papanas can contain approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the sugar added.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid a too wet dough.
2. Can I bake the papanasi instead of frying them?
Traditional papanasi are fried, but you can try baking them at 180°C for about 20-25 minutes, but the texture will be different.
3. What other toppings can I use?
Besides powdered sugar, you can try fruit sauces, melted chocolate, or Greek yogurt.

Papanasi are not just a dessert, but a culinary experience full of memories and flavor. So, embrace the art of cooking and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen! Enjoy your meal!