Papanasi with plum jam – a traditional delicacy that combines fluffy texture with a decadent taste! This dessert has been created with love by many generations and is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family meal or a party with friends. Let’s discover together how to prepare these delicious papanasi, step by step.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 9 medium papanasi
Ingredients:
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 300 g flour (plus extra for shaping)
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder (or 1 teaspoon of baking soda)
- Zest of one lemon (for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Oil (for frying)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Plum jam (or your favorite jam)
Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients at room temperature. The cottage cheese should be well-drained to avoid a too wet dough. If you don’t have cottage cheese, you can use ricotta or a combination of cottage cheese and cream cheese. The lemon zest will add a fresh note that balances the sweetness of the dessert.
Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, baking powder (or baking soda), lemon zest, and vanilla essence. Use a mixer or spatula to mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. It is important that all ingredients are well integrated so that the papanasi are fluffy and delicious.
Step 3: Adding the flour
Start adding the flour gradually, mixing gently. It is essential not to add all the flour at once to avoid making the dough too dense. Mix until the mixture becomes a soft and slightly sticky dough. Avoid adding too much flour, as the papanasi will lose their fluffiness.
Step 4: Resting the dough
Let the dough rest for about 10-15 minutes. This process will allow the ingredients to combine better and the gluten in the flour to relax, making the dough easier to shape.
Step 5: Shaping the papanasi
After the dough has rested, sprinkle a little flour on a clean surface and start shaping the papanasi. Take a portion of the dough and form balls the size of a tennis ball. Then, gently press each ball to create a small indentation in the center, giving them the characteristic shape of papanasi. You can also create rings if you prefer a more playful version.
Step 6: Frying the papanasi
In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. The oil is hot enough when, if you drop a ball of dough into it, it immediately rises to the surface and starts sizzling. Add the papanasi to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd it. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.
Step 7: Draining excess oil
After frying the papanasi, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. This is an important step to ensure a fluffy and not oily texture.
Step 8: Serving the papanasi
To serve, place the papanasi on a platter, add a generous spoonful of sour cream on top, and finish with plum jam. If you want a touch of freshness, you can drizzle with a little lemon juice. This combination will turn the dessert into a true delight.
Practical tips:
- If you want to add a note of originality, you can replace the plum jam with sour cherry jam, raspberry jam, or even a combination of fresh fruits.
- Always check the oil before frying; it should be hot enough but not excessively so as to avoid burning the papanasi.
- Papanasi can be stored in the fridge for a day or two, but it’s best to consume them fresh to keep the fluffy texture.
Nutritional information:
One serving of papanasi (1 medium papanas) contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the serving of sour cream or jam added. Papanasi are a good source of protein from the cottage cheese and provide carbohydrates from the flour, but it’s best to consume in moderation due to the sugar and fat content.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but keep in mind that the papanasi will be less creamy.
2. What other toppings can I use?
You can use melted chocolate, fresh fruits, or ice cream for a modern twist.
3. Can I freeze the papanasi?
Yes, you can freeze the un-fried papanasi, then fry them directly from the freezer.
Enjoy every bite of these fluffy papanasi and savor the moment! It’s a dessert that brings joy and beautiful memories, and with each recipe you try, you will discover new combinations and flavors that will delight your taste buds. Bon appétit!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 9 medium papanasi
Ingredients:
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 300 g flour (plus extra for shaping)
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder (or 1 teaspoon of baking soda)
- Zest of one lemon (for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Oil (for frying)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Plum jam (or your favorite jam)
Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients at room temperature. The cottage cheese should be well-drained to avoid a too wet dough. If you don’t have cottage cheese, you can use ricotta or a combination of cottage cheese and cream cheese. The lemon zest will add a fresh note that balances the sweetness of the dessert.
Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, baking powder (or baking soda), lemon zest, and vanilla essence. Use a mixer or spatula to mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. It is important that all ingredients are well integrated so that the papanasi are fluffy and delicious.
Step 3: Adding the flour
Start adding the flour gradually, mixing gently. It is essential not to add all the flour at once to avoid making the dough too dense. Mix until the mixture becomes a soft and slightly sticky dough. Avoid adding too much flour, as the papanasi will lose their fluffiness.
Step 4: Resting the dough
Let the dough rest for about 10-15 minutes. This process will allow the ingredients to combine better and the gluten in the flour to relax, making the dough easier to shape.
Step 5: Shaping the papanasi
After the dough has rested, sprinkle a little flour on a clean surface and start shaping the papanasi. Take a portion of the dough and form balls the size of a tennis ball. Then, gently press each ball to create a small indentation in the center, giving them the characteristic shape of papanasi. You can also create rings if you prefer a more playful version.
Step 6: Frying the papanasi
In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. The oil is hot enough when, if you drop a ball of dough into it, it immediately rises to the surface and starts sizzling. Add the papanasi to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd it. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.
Step 7: Draining excess oil
After frying the papanasi, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. This is an important step to ensure a fluffy and not oily texture.
Step 8: Serving the papanasi
To serve, place the papanasi on a platter, add a generous spoonful of sour cream on top, and finish with plum jam. If you want a touch of freshness, you can drizzle with a little lemon juice. This combination will turn the dessert into a true delight.
Practical tips:
- If you want to add a note of originality, you can replace the plum jam with sour cherry jam, raspberry jam, or even a combination of fresh fruits.
- Always check the oil before frying; it should be hot enough but not excessively so as to avoid burning the papanasi.
- Papanasi can be stored in the fridge for a day or two, but it’s best to consume them fresh to keep the fluffy texture.
Nutritional information:
One serving of papanasi (1 medium papanas) contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the serving of sour cream or jam added. Papanasi are a good source of protein from the cottage cheese and provide carbohydrates from the flour, but it’s best to consume in moderation due to the sugar and fat content.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but keep in mind that the papanasi will be less creamy.
2. What other toppings can I use?
You can use melted chocolate, fresh fruits, or ice cream for a modern twist.
3. Can I freeze the papanasi?
Yes, you can freeze the un-fried papanasi, then fry them directly from the freezer.
Enjoy every bite of these fluffy papanasi and savor the moment! It’s a dessert that brings joy and beautiful memories, and with each recipe you try, you will discover new combinations and flavors that will delight your taste buds. Bon appétit!