Recipe for preparing cheese doughnuts with cottage cheese

Cottage Cheese Papanasi – an Irresistible Dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Cottage cheese papanasi are a classic dessert, easy to prepare, that brings smiles to the faces of those who taste it. Whether you serve them to family or prepare them for a party, these fluffy and aromatic papanasi will quickly become everyone's favorite. With a perfect combination of creamy cheese, fresh eggs, and a splash of vanilla, this dessert will remind you of childhood and moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones.

The history of papanasi is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions where desserts were often made with simple and accessible ingredients. Over time, the recipe has evolved, and today, papanasi are often served with sour cream and jam, a perfect duo that enhances the flavors and textures.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg fresh cottage cheese (ideally, use well-drained cottage cheese to achieve a fluffy texture)
- 150 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 4 eggs (make sure they are fresh)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to aerate the papanasi)
- 1 vanilla essence (an essential ingredient for a special flavor)
- 300 g flour (for a perfect texture)
- Sour cream (for serving, preferably with a high-fat content)
- Jam (favorite fruit jam, for example, sour cherry or raspberry jam)
- 400 g oil (for frying)

Necessary utensils:

- A large mixing bowl
- A deep frying pan or a small pot for frying
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A glass or cutter to form the papanasi
- A paper towel to absorb excess oil

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained, then place it in a large bowl. Add the sugar and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. This step is essential to ensure that the sugar dissolves completely.

2. In another small bowl, quench the baking powder with a few drops of vinegar. This technique will activate the baking powder, helping the papanasi to rise. Then add it to the bowl with cheese and sugar.

3. Next, add the eggs, vanilla essence, and flour. Mix well with the spatula or your hands until you obtain a soft but homogeneous dough. Avoid overmixing, or the papanasi will become dense.

4. Let the dough rise for 30 minutes. This step will allow it to become fluffy and airy.

5. While the dough is rising, put the oil in a deep frying pan or a small pot and let it heat over medium heat. It is important for the oil to be hot enough to achieve even frying.

6. After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on a clean work surface and roll out the dough with a rolling pin. Use a large glass to cut circles from the dough. Then, use a smaller glass to form the caps of the papanasi, cutting smaller circles from the middle of each large circle.

7. When the oil is hot, add the papanasi and their caps to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy.

8. Once ready, remove the papanasi onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

9. Serve the papanasi warm, topped with sour cream and jam. This duo of toppings not only enhances the taste but also adds a touch of freshness to the dessert.

Useful tips:

- You can experiment with various types of jams, such as cherry jam, peach, or even melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh aroma.
- Papanasi can also be served with vanilla ice cream for an even more special dessert.

Nutritional benefits:

Cottage cheese papanasi provide a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the sugar and flour ensure the energy needed for an active day. Of course, it is important to consume them in moderation, considering the calorie content, but enjoying a papanas with sour cream and jam is an unforgettable pleasure.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or goat cheese, but make sure to drain them well to avoid a too-wet dough.

2. How can I store the papanasi?
It is best to consume them fresh, but if you have some left, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.

3. Can I freeze the papanasi?
Yes, papanasi can be frozen. Make sure they are completely cooled, then store them in an airtight container. When you want to consume them, fry them again to reheat.

Cottage cheese papanasi are a classic, easy-to-make dessert that will win anyone's heart. So embark on the culinary adventure and treat your family or friends with these delights. Whether you choose to serve them with sour cream, jam, or ice cream, each bite will be an explosion of flavor and joy!