Recipe for making papanasi

Cheese Papanasi - The dessert that will sweeten every moment

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Who can resist the delicious cheese papanasi? This simple yet flavorful recipe comes from the culinary tradition of many cultures, evolving over time into a beloved dessert for all. Papanasi are essentially slightly sweet donuts, filled with cheese and served with sour cream and jam, making them perfect for any occasion - from a family meal to a party with friends. Let's discover together how to prepare these delicious papanasi, step by step!

Ingredients:

- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 2 large, fresh eggs
- A pinch of salt
- ½ packet of baking powder
- Flour, as needed (approximately 150-200 g)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or to taste)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Strawberry jam (or any other preferred jam)
- Oil for frying

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the mixture: In a large pot, add the well-drained cottage cheese. Make sure there are no large chunks, so the papanasi have a uniform texture. Use a fork or an immersion blender to make it finer. Add the two eggs, salt, baking powder, and vanilla sugar. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

2. Adding the flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously. Flour is the key ingredient that will give the dough consistency. Continue adding flour and mixing until the composition becomes firm enough to be shaped, but not so hard that it becomes difficult to mold. A dough that is too soft will cause the papanasi to fall apart during frying, so be careful!

3. Shaping the papanasi: On a floured work surface, take a portion of the dough and form balls the size of a tennis ball, then gently flatten them. Use your finger or a spoon to create a dent in the middle of each ball, thus forming the characteristic donut shape.

4. Frying the papanasi: In a deep pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough but not smoking. Fry the papanasi, 2-3 at a time, until they become golden and crispy on the outside, approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a spatula to carefully turn them. When ready, remove them onto paper towels to absorb the excess oil.

5. Serving: Place the warm papanasi on a plate. Each papanas is served with two tablespoons of sour cream on top, followed by a ball of dough and, for added flavor, a generous serving of strawberry jam. If desired, you can sprinkle a little vanilla sugar on top for a more attractive appearance and a sweet taste.

6. Enjoying: Serve the papanasi hot, and each bite will be an explosion of flavors!

Helpful tips:
- Choosing the cheese: Use fresh, well-drained cottage cheese. Cheese that is too wet will make the dough too soft.
- Maintaining moisture: Ensure that the papanasi are fried at the correct temperature; if the oil is too cold, they will absorb too much oil, and if it is too hot, they will burn on the outside before cooking on the inside.
- Variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh taste. Also, instead of strawberry jam, you can try sour cherry or cherry jam, which pairs wonderfully!

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 250-300 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use low-fat cheese?
Yes, but the dough will need a little more flour to achieve the desired consistency.

2. How do I store the papanasi if I have leftovers?
Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can easily reheat them in the oven or pan to regain their crispy texture.

3. Can I make vegan papanasi?
Yes! Replace the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 2 tablespoons of water (let sit for 10 minutes to thicken) and use vegan cheese.

Now that you have all the necessary information, don't hesitate to try this fantastic papanasi recipe! You will surely impress your family and friends with this simple yet flavorful dessert. Enjoy cooking!