Recipe for preparing fried papanasi

Fried Sweet Cheese Dumplings: An Irresistible Delicacy

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Frying time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Number of servings: 3 dumplings

Fried dumplings are a delicacy that combines the flavor of cheese with sweetness and a fluffy texture, being a dessert appreciated by all who taste them. This simple recipe is perfect for moments when you crave a tasty dessert but don't have much time available. Originating from culinary tradition, dumplings have evolved over the years, being adapted into various versions, but their essence remains the same: a delicious and comforting mix.

Ingredients for dumplings:
- 200 g cottage cheese (choose well-drained cheese for better texture)
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 8 tablespoons of flour (you may need a little extra to shape the dough)
- 1 pinch of baking soda extinguished with vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the dumplings)

Ingredients for serving:
- Sour cream (ideally fatty and creamy)
- Quince jam (or another preferred type, such as sour cherry jam, which would add a tart note)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients in one place. Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained and the egg is at room temperature to incorporate better into the dough.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the cottage cheese and crack the egg on top. Add a pinch of salt, the baking soda extinguished with vinegar, and the vanilla sugar. Use a fork or whisk to mix the ingredients until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

3. Incorporating the flour: Start adding the flour, one tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously. It is important not to add all the flour at once to control the dough's consistency. Continue mixing until the dough becomes homogeneous but not sticky. If you feel it is too soft, you can add a little more flour.

4. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured working surface. Gently knead the dough, adding flour only if necessary, until it becomes elastic and easy to shape.

5. Shaping the dumplings: Divide the dough into three equal parts. From each part, form a ball the size of a ping-pong ball. Then, with a floured finger, make an indentation in the center of each ball.

6. Frying the dumplings: Heat the oil in a deep pan large enough to cover the dumplings. The oil is ready when, if you throw a small piece of dough, it rises to the surface immediately. Fry three dumplings at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. When the dumplings rise to the surface, turn them with a spatula to fry evenly on both sides.

7. Draining excess oil: After they are golden and fluffy, remove them onto paper towels to absorb excess oil.

8. Serving: Place the dumplings on a plate, generously add sour cream over them, and place a fried dough ball on top of each. Finally, add the quince jam or, if you prefer, the sour cherry jam for a delicious contrast.

Practical tips:
- Choosing the cheese: Use well-drained cottage cheese to avoid a too-wet dough. If the cheese is too wet, you can use a paper towel to absorb some of the liquid.
- Frying oil: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the dumplings so that they fry evenly and become golden.
- Oven version: If you want a healthier option, you can bake the dumplings in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Nutrition and benefits:
Dumplings, although a dessert, contain cottage cheese which brings nutritional benefits, being a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins. However, it is best to consume them in moderation, considering the amount of oil used for frying.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can use ricotta or goat cheese, but the taste and texture will change.
2. What other toppings can I use? You can try melted chocolate, caramel, or fresh seasonal fruits.
3. How can I store the dumplings? It is best to consume them immediately after frying, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a day.

Fried dumplings are a dessert that brings smiles and pleasant memories. Whether you prepare them for a special breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert after dinner with friends, they are always an inspired choice! Try this recipe and enjoy every bite!