Recipe for preparing papanasi

Papanasi – a traditional delicacy that combines the flavor of cheese with a sweet taste and citrus aroma. This quick dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a family Sunday meal to parties with friends. With a fluffy texture and a perfect combination of cheese and sweetness, papanasi will not only delight your taste buds but also bring you unforgettable joy. Let's begin our culinary journey step by step!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 4 servings

Necessary Ingredients:

- 500 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 220 g flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (about 10 g)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying (choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil)
- Sour cream for serving
- Jam (preferably sour cherry, but any type of jam you like will do)

Preparing the papanasi:

1. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, place the well-drained cottage cheese. Use a fork to mash it until you get a smooth paste. Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and the grated lemon zest. Mix well with a spatula or whisk until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture.

2. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Then, add the flour mixture to the cheese mixture, stirring gently. It is essential not to overmix, just enough to obtain a soft and slightly sticky dough.

3. Shaping the papanasi: Sprinkle some flour on a work surface and take a spoonful of dough. Roll each portion in flour and shape it into a flat ball with a dent in the middle, resembling a doughnut with a hole. This shape not only looks good but also helps with even frying.

4. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Check if the oil is hot enough by adding a piece of dough; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, it's ready. Place the papanasi in the oil, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry on each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy.

5. Draining: Use a slotted spatula to remove the papanasi from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serving:

Papanasi are served warm, with a generous layer of sour cream and jam on top. You can also add some fresh fruit or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flavor. A personal idea would be to serve the papanasi alongside a fruit tea or a refreshing lemonade, which will balance the sweetness of the dessert.

Useful Tips:

- A trick for extra flavor: If you want to add a touch of originality to your recipe, add a few drops of rum essence to the cheese mixture.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or mascarpone, to achieve a different texture and taste.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:

This papanasi recipe has approximately 350 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used for frying. Papanasi provide a good source of protein from cheese and eggs, but it is advisable to consume them in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I replace cottage cheese with something else?
Yes, you can use ricotta cheese or even Greek yogurt, but make sure these alternatives are well-drained of liquid.

How can I store papanasi?
If you have leftover papanasi, you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. You can quickly reheat them in a pan or microwave to restore their fluffy texture.

Can I make papanasi in the oven?
Of course! Preheat the oven to 180°C, place the papanasi on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. This method reduces the amount of oil used, but the texture will be slightly different.

What can be combined with papanasi?
Papanasi pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for an extravagant dessert. Additionally, a coffee or cappuccino goes very well with them.

I hope this recipe has inspired you to try your culinary skills and bring a touch of joy to your kitchen. Papanasi are an excellent choice for any time of the day, and the satisfaction of making them at home will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!