Recipe for making Romanian cheese donuts with rum

Delicious Romanian Cheese Dumplings with Rum Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Cheese dumplings, or papanasi, are a traditional dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also evokes pleasant childhood memories for many. This dish is a perfect combination of sweet cheese, flavored with rum, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping that adds a unique texture. Let's discover together how to prepare these rum papanasi, a simple and quick recipe, ideal for impressing family and friends!

Ingredients

- 500 g cottage cheese (fresh, well-drained cheese is ideal)
- 125 g semolina
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon orange essence (optional, but recommended for an extra flavor)
- 2 eggs
- 50 g butter or margarine
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons sugar (for caramelizing)
- 100 ml rum (make sure it is quality rum to achieve the desired flavor)

Useful

- Large pot for boiling
- Tray for frying breadcrumbs
- Slotted spoon

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by mixing the cottage cheese in a large bowl. Use a mixer to make it as smooth as possible. This will be the delicious base of your dumplings. Add the semolina and mix well. This will help absorb the moisture from the cheese and provide a pleasant texture.

2. Adding flavors:
Continue by adding the sugar, vanilla essence, and, if desired, the orange essence. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors. Now, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Finally, let the dough rest for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the semolina to hydrate and blend perfectly with the other ingredients.

3. Boiling the dumplings:
While the dough rests, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rum to the water; its aroma will infuse the dumplings during boiling, giving them a distinctive taste.

4. Preparing the breadcrumbs:
In a tray, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and fry until golden. This will be the crunchy topping that perfectly complements the dumplings. Add the sugar and fry for another minute, then remove from heat.

5. Shaping the dumplings:
With wet hands (to prevent sticking), shape balls from the cheese mixture. You can choose to make them as dumplings or round shapes, according to your preferences.

6. Actual boiling:
Add the dumplings to the boiling water. Do not overcrowd the pot; cook them in batches to ensure each one cooks evenly. Let them boil until they rise to the surface, about 5 minutes. This is a sign that they are ready.

7. Finishing and serving:
After boiling, remove them with a slotted spoon and roll them in the fried breadcrumbs. They are now ready to serve! Dumplings can be enjoyed with sour cream and vanilla sugar, fruit jam, chocolate sauce, or caramel. Personally, I love to serve them with a mix of fresh fruits, which adds a touch of freshness to the dessert.

Practical Tips

- Cheese: Make sure the cheese is well-drained to avoid a too-wet dough. You can use farm-fresh cottage cheese if you have access to it for an authentic taste.
- Rum: Choose a quality rum, as its flavor will significantly influence the final taste of the dumplings.
- Alcohol-free version: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the rum with rum essence or orange juice for a fruitier flavor.
- Storage: Dumplings can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to consume them immediately after preparation to enjoy their fluffy texture.

Nutritional Benefits

These dumplings are a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese, while the semolina adds essential carbohydrates for energy. Enjoy them in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content from sour cream or sauces, but don't hesitate to indulge in a delicious dessert from time to time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese, but the result will be slightly different.

How can I make the dumplings lower in calories?
Replace the butter with a cooking spray and reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

What drinks pair well with the dumplings?
An espresso coffee or a fruit tea would be excellent accompaniments. Additionally, a sweet wine or a fruit liqueur can add a touch of elegance.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking and enjoy this simple and delicious rum dumplings recipe. Each bite will bring a smile to your face and that of your loved ones! Enjoy!