Recipe for preparing papanasi

Papanasi - The Romanian Delight of Cheese and Jam

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 papanasi

Papanasi are a traditional, aromatic, and tempting dessert, with deep roots in Romanian culinary culture. This papanasi recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also turn any meal into a celebration of flavors. Soft and fluffy, these papanasi are perfect to be served with sour cream and jam, but can be customized according to your preferences.

Here’s how to prepare delicious papanasi, step by step:

Ingredients

- 1 kg cottage cheese (choose fresh, well-drained cheese)
- 400 g flour (you can use wheat flour)
- 3 eggs (approximately 150 g)
- 100 g sugar (or more, to taste)
- 3 g baking soda (about half a teaspoon)
- 10 g lemon zest (2-3 medium lemons)
- 100 g semolina
- 500 g sour cream (a richer sour cream will provide a richer taste)
- 250 g jam (preferably cherry or berry jam)
- 50 g powdered sugar (for decoration)
- 20 g salt (about a teaspoon)
- Oil (for frying)

Preparation

1. Prepare the cheese: Start by draining the cottage cheese well to avoid excess moisture. You can use a sieve or cheesecloth to ensure the cheese is dry and ready for preparation.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, semolina, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon to evenly distribute the ingredients.

3. Add the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and add the drained cottage cheese, lemon zest, and the dry ingredient mixture. Mix everything with a mixer or by hand until you achieve a homogeneous composition. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

4. Shape the papanasi: Wet your hands with a little oil and take a portion of the dough. Form a ball, then gently press in the center to create a dent. This will help the papanasi bake evenly. Repeat the process until you finish all the dough.

5. Fry the papanasi: In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is well heated so that the papanasi fry evenly and become golden. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Each papanas will fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden and fluffy.

6. Drain excess oil: After frying, remove the papanasi onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

7. Serving: Arrange the papanasi on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve them warm, with sour cream and jam on top. Combining them with cherry or berry jam adds a touch of acidity that perfectly balances the sweet flavor of the papanasi.

Chef's tip

To enhance the flavors, you can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cheese mixture. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of jam or try serving the papanasi with melted chocolate sauce for an extra treat.

Nutritional benefits

Papanasi can be a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese, while the eggs and sour cream add healthy fats. However, it is important to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar and oil content. A serving of papanasi has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream and jam used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use cottage cheese?
Yes, but make sure it is well drained to avoid a too wet dough.

2. How can I make the papanasi lower in calories?
You can reduce the amount of sugar and sour cream, or use a lower-fat sour cream.

3. What variations can I try?
Instead of lemon, you can use orange or lime for a different flavor. You can also add raisins or ground nuts to the mixture for extra texture.

Papanasi and beverages

To complement this delicious dessert, I recommend serving it with fruit tea or iced coffee. These drinks will add a pleasant contrast, highlighting the sweet flavors of the papanasi.

Conclusion

Papanasi are not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience, perfect for enjoying with family and friends. Preparing them can be a delightful activity, full of memories and unforgettable moments. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!