Recipe for preparing boiled cheese donuts

Boiled papanasi – a classic and comforting delight

Who hasn’t heard of papanasi? This traditional dessert, known and loved by many, perfectly combines the soft and creamy texture of cheese with the light aroma of lemon zest, all covered with a generous layer of powdered sugar. This boiled papanasi recipe is not only simple to make but also an excellent choice for moments when you want to impress someone dear or simply indulge yourself.

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Main ingredients:
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 3 eggs (preferably fresh)
- 250 g semolina
- Zest of one lemon (optional but recommended for flavor)
- 200 g semolina or breadcrumbs (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons oil or 50 g butter (for frying the semolina)
- 250 ml water
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

Step by step in preparing papanasi:

1. Preparing the semolina: In a non-stick pan, add 50 g of butter or oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is heated, add 200 g of semolina. Stir continuously with a wooden spatula until the semolina turns golden and acquires a nice color, its fried appearance adding a special flavor to the dish. It is essential to stir constantly to avoid burning the semolina.

2. Adding water: Once the semolina is fried, quickly pour in 250 ml of water. Stir vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the water evaporates and the semolina becomes homogeneous, with the strands easily separating from each other. This step is crucial for obtaining a well-bound base for the papanasi.

3. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a mixer until they become foamy and double in volume. In another bowl, crumble the cottage cheese with a fork, then add the yolks, lemon zest, and 250 g of semolina. Mix well until homogeneous.

4. Incorporating the egg whites: Carefully add the beaten egg whites into the cheese and semolina mixture, mixing slowly with an up-and-down motion to maintain the aeration of the mixture. If you are using fattier cottage cheese, you may need to add a little more semolina to achieve a smooth and creamy paste.

5. Shaping the papanasi: Wet your hands with a little water to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take a spoonful of the mixture and form balls the size of golf balls. Place them on a plate.

6. Boiling the papanasi: In a large pot, add water with a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, carefully add half of the papanasi. Make sure they do not stick to the bottom of the pot by stirring gently. The papanasi will start to float to the surface - when this happens, let them boil for another 5 minutes, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place them over the previously fried semolina.

7. Finalizing the process: Repeat the process with the remaining papanasi. Near the end, mix the powdered sugar with the vanilla sugar to obtain a fragrant mixture.

8. Serving: When serving, sprinkle the papanasi with vanilla powdered sugar, giving them an attractive appearance and a special aroma. You can serve them plain or with a fruit sauce, sour cherry jam, or sour cream, depending on your preferences.

Useful tips for a perfect result:
- Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid adding excess water to the mixture. You can use homemade cottage cheese for a more authentic taste.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can incorporate some raisins or pieces of candied fruit into the mixture.
- A trick to check if the papanasi are ready is to observe them rising to the surface. If they remain at the bottom, they need more time.

Nutritional benefits: Papanasi are a good source of protein, thanks to the cottage cheese and eggs. They also contain carbohydrates from semolina, providing energy. The lemon zest adds a dose of vitamin C, and using powdered sugar in moderation makes them a less caloric dessert compared to other options.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use soy cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, but the texture and taste will be different. Make sure the soy cheese is well-drained.
- Can papanasi be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the already boiled papanasi. You can reheat them in a steamer or oven to bring them back to life.
- What drinks pair well with papanasi?
You can enjoy them with a fragrant fruit tea, fresh lemonade, or a sweet wine.

Boiled papanasi are more than just a dessert; they are a childhood memory, a symbol of hospitality, and a way to bring joy to every meal. So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your apron and enjoy making these delicious papanasi. Bon appétit!