Recipe for making papanasi with telemea

Papanasi with cheese - the traditional delight that combines cheese and sweetness in an explosion of flavors!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking/frying time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Papanasi are a traditional dessert that have captivated tastes over time, bringing a touch of nostalgia and joy in every bite. These fluffy donuts, filled with cheese, are the perfect choice to end a festive meal or simply to indulge yourself on an ordinary day.

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 400 g cottage cheese (ideally well drained)
- 50 g feta cheese (optional, but adds a delicious flavor)
- 350 g flour (should be of good quality, for a less sticky dough)
- 3 eggs (preferably fresh)
- 3 heaping tablespoons of sugar (suggestion: you can adjust the amount to taste)
- 3 heaping tablespoons of breadcrumbs (for a crunchy texture)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar (or vanilla essence)
- Zest of one lemon (for an extra flavor)
- Juice of 1 lemon (helps activate the baking soda)
- Oil for frying (choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil)

For decoration:
- Powdered sugar (to add an elegant touch)
- Jam or blackberry puree (the perfect combination for a note of freshness)
- Sour cream (optional, but recommended for a creamy taste)

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Make sure the cottage cheese is well drained and mashed, so you don't have too wet a dough.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the crumbled feta cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and eggs. Use a fork or a hand mixer to homogenize the mixture. This will ensure a uniform texture and well-integrated flavor.

3. In another bowl, quench the baking soda with the lemon juice, then add it to the cheese mixture. This step is important because the baking soda will help the papanasi to be fluffy.

4. Start adding the flour gradually, mixing continuously to avoid lumps. Add the breadcrumbs and continue mixing until you get a soft and slightly sticky dough that comes off your hands.

5. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. This resting time will help the gluten relax, making it easier to shape the papanasi.

6. After the dough has rested, take portions of dough and shape them into balls the size of a golf ball, then flatten them slightly to give them the specific shape of papanasi. You can make a small indentation in the middle to highlight their shape.

7. Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Test the oil temperature by throwing a small piece of dough; if it rises to the surface and starts to sizzle, the oil is ready.

8. Fry the papanasi on both sides until they become golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow the heat to circulate evenly.

9. Once done, remove the papanasi onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

10. Finally, dust the papanasi with powdered sugar and serve them warm, alongside jam or blackberry puree and sour cream.

Helpful tips:
- Papanasi can be kept for a few days in the fridge, but they are best when consumed fresh.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to achieve a unique flavor and texture.
- If you want a healthier version, you can use low-fat cottage cheese and reduce the sugar.
- This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can try ricotta or goat cheese for a different flavor.

2. How can I avoid the papanasi from becoming greasy?
Make sure the oil is at the right temperature and do not fry them all at once, to avoid lowering the oil temperature.

3. What else could I add to the dough?
For an extra flavor note, try adding a few drops of rum essence or cinnamon.

This quick and simple dessert offers not only culinary satisfaction but also pleasant memories, evoking moments of conviviality and joy. I hope you enjoy this recipe for papanasi with cheese, which brings a bit of culinary tradition into every home!