Recipe for making papanasi with sour cherry jam

Papanasi with sour cherry jam – a delicacy you can't refuse! This Romanian dessert, deeply rooted in culinary history, is loved by all who have had the chance to savor it. Soft, fluffy, and with an unmistakable taste, papanasi are the perfect choice for a festive meal or simply to indulge yourself on a quiet evening.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients:

- 250 g sweet cottage cheese (make sure it is well drained to avoid a too wet dough)
- 100 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 2 eggs (use fresh eggs for a better taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda quenched in the juice of a lemon (this will help the papanasi rise)
- Zest of one lemon (for an extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt (for example, sea salt is an excellent choice)
- 300 g sour cream (ideally, use thick sour cream for a rich taste)
- 200 g sour cherry jam (sour cherry jam adds a perfect tart note)
- 500 ml frying oil (sunflower oil is a popular choice)
- Vanilla sugar (to sprinkle on top of the papanasi)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the well-drained cottage cheese. Use a fork to lightly mash it, so you achieve a fine texture. Add the sugar and mix well until it dissolves. It is important to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

2. Incorporating the eggs:
Crack the eggs and add them to the cheese mixture. Mix again, ensuring the eggs are fully integrated. This step is essential for giving consistency to the dough.

3. Adding the wet ingredients:
Quench the baking soda with lemon juice and add it to the mixture. Then, add the lemon zest and a pinch of salt. Mix well to evenly distribute all the ingredients.

4. Forming the dough:
Start gradually adding flour (preferably type 000 or pastry flour) until you obtain a soft dough that can be shaped. Ideally, the dough should be slightly sticky but firm enough to form balls or donuts.

5. Shaping the papanasi:
With wet hands, form dough balls the size of a golf ball. Gently flatten each ball to achieve the characteristic shape. Make a small indentation in the center of each papanas, where you will later add the jam.

6. Frying the papanasi:
In a deep pan, heat the oil. Check if the oil is ready by doing a small test: throw in a small piece of dough, and if it starts to float, it’s time to fry the papanasi. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they become golden and crispy. Make sure the oil is not too hot to avoid burning.

7. Draining excess oil:
After frying, remove the papanasi onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

8. Serving:
Place the papanasi on a platter and, while they are still warm, add the sour cherry jam into the indentation created. Sprinkle vanilla sugar on top for an attractive look and sweet taste.

9. Serving suggestions:
Papanasi can be served with fresh sour cream alongside a cup of coffee or aromatic tea. You can also try combining them with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Tips and useful advice:

- If the cottage cheese is too wet, you can drain it in a cheesecloth or let it drain for a few hours before using.
- You can add a few drops of vanilla or rum essence to the dough for an even richer taste.
- Papanasi can be frozen! If you have leftovers, you can keep them in the freezer, and when you crave them, you can fry them again.

Nutritional benefits:
Papanasi are a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs. Additionally, the sour cherry jam adds a boost of vitamins and antioxidants. It is important to mention that, although they are delicious, this dessert should be consumed in moderation, as it has a high caloric content due to the sugar and oil used for frying.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but the taste will be less rich, and the texture may be different.

- How can I make papanasi healthier?
You can try baking them instead of frying, using a little olive oil or a non-stick spray.

- Can I use other types of jam?
Of course! Papanasi also pair excellently with raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry jam.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Papanasi with sour cherry jam is an excellent choice to treat your family or friends and will surely become a favorite on any occasion. Enjoy your meal!