Recipe for making papanasi with sour cream and blackberry jam

Cheese Dumplings with Sour Cream and Blackberry Jam: An Easy-to-Prepare Delicacy

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Cheese dumplings are a traditional delicacy, but today we will present them in an easy-to-prepare form, perfect for any occasion. Cheese dumplings with sour cream and blackberry jam are a quick, tasty, and attractive dessert, ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. Let's get started!

Necessary ingredients:

- 4 fresh eggs
- 400 g sweet cheese (choose a good quality cheese for a richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- 1 vial lemon essence or the grated zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt
- Flour as needed (about 200 g, but it may vary)
- Oil for frying (choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil)

For decoration:

- Blackberry jam (or any other preferred jam: blueberries, sour cherries, etc.)
- Sour cream
- Small pieces of chocolate (optional, for extra flavor)
- Powdered vanilla sugar (for decoration)

Step-by-step guide:

1. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, crack the four eggs and whisk them until frothy. This will add an airy texture to the dumplings. Add the sweet cheese and continue mixing until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

2. Adding dry ingredients: To the same mixture, add the baking soda, semolina, sugar, vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, lemon essence, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything carefully to integrate the ingredients well.

3. Including flour: Start adding flour gradually, mixing gently. The ideal consistency is soft but not sticky to the hands. You may need to adjust the amount of flour depending on the moisture of the cheese.

4. Shaping the dumplings: Wet your hands with a little oil to avoid sticking. Form small balls from the dough, varying the sizes to get both large and small dumplings. For the large dumplings, make a small indentation in the middle, thus forming a ring shape.

5. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil to medium temperature. To check if the oil is ready, you can throw in a small piece of dough; if it floats to the surface, the oil is hot enough. Fry the dumplings on both sides until golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes on each side). Do not overcrowd the pan to allow for even frying.

6. Serving: After removing them from the pan, place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve the dumplings warm, lightly dusted with powdered vanilla sugar, alongside sour cream and blackberry jam. Add, if desired, a few pieces of chocolate for a delicious contrast.

Practical tips:

- Choose the right cheese: A fresh and creamy cheese will make a difference. Avoid overly salty cheese to not affect the final taste.
- Avoid overly hot oil: If the oil is too hot, the dumplings will burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside.
- Vary the jam: Experiment with different types of jams to find your favorite combination. Blueberry or sour cherry jam offers an interesting note.

Nutritional benefits:

Dumplings are a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the wheat in the flour and semolina provides essential carbohydrates for energy. Moderate consumption can give you an energy boost and a moment of healthy indulgence.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use cottage cheese instead of sweet cheese?: Yes, but make sure to drain it well to avoid a too wet mixture.
- How can I store the dumplings?: It is recommended to serve them immediately to enjoy the crispy texture. If you want to keep them, you can freeze them after they have cooled and fry them again before serving.
- Can they be baked?: Although they are traditionally fried, you can try baking them at 180°C for 20-25 minutes for a healthier version.

Pairing with other recipes: Dumplings pair wonderfully with aromatic coffee or fruit tea. You can also serve them alongside ice cream for a refreshing summer dessert.

Personal notes: I fondly remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who showed me how to prepare dumplings. Every detail, from choosing ingredients to the frying technique, is important to achieve that authentic taste. Try to add a little of your memories to each recipe!

Now that you have all the necessary information, embark on the culinary adventure of preparing cheese dumplings with sour cream and blackberry jam, a quick and simple recipe that will bring smiles to everyone's faces. Enjoy your meal!