Recipe for preparing papanasi

Papanasi: the dessert that will bring a smile to your face

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

In a world full of sophisticated sweets, papanasi stand out for their simplicity and unmistakable flavor. This traditional dessert, originating from home kitchens, brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, I invite you to discover the steps to create the most delicious papanasi.

Ingredients

- 200 g of fatty cottage cheese (make sure it is well-drained to avoid a too-wet dough)
- 2 large eggs (preferably at room temperature for better emulsification)
- Zest of one orange (for an inviting citrus aroma)
- 1 packet of baking powder (to give them a bit of fluffiness)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (adjustable according to preferences)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or you can use vanilla extract)
- Flour (approximately 200-250 g, plus extra for shaping)
- Oil (for frying)
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Strawberry jam (or other favorite jam)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Preparing the Papanasi

1. Preparing the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Use a fork or a whisk to mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. It is essential that there are no lumps of cheese, so make sure the mixture is smooth.

2. Adding flavors and dry ingredients: Grate the orange zest into the cheese mixture. The fresh citrus aroma will transform your dessert. Then, add the flour and baking powder. Start mixing with a spatula or with your hands until you obtain an elastic dough. You may need to adjust the amount of flour depending on how wet the cheese is.

3. Shaping the papanasi: Sprinkle a little flour on a clean work surface. To avoid the dough sticking to your palms, you can sprinkle flour on your hands. Divide the dough into balls of two sizes: larger balls for the base of the papanasi and smaller balls for decoration. Gently flatten the larger balls in your palms and form a hole in the middle, thus creating a ring.

4. Frying the papanasi: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is well heated before adding the papanasi. Fry them on both sides until golden and brown. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

5. Assembling: Place a large papanas on a plate, add a generous spoonful of strawberry jam on top, followed by a dollop of whipped cream. Then, carefully place the smaller papanas on top and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a spectacular effect.

Practical tips

- Ingredients: Use well-drained, quality cottage cheese. You can experiment with various cheeses, but the result will be better with fatty cheese.
- Oil: Test the temperature of the oil by adding a small piece of dough. If it rises to the surface and starts to sizzle, the oil is ready.
- Serving: Papanasi are delicious warm, but you can prepare them in advance and serve them at room temperature. They can be accompanied by chocolate sauce or a puree of fresh fruits for an extra flavor boost.

Possible variations

- Flavoring: You can add vanilla or cinnamon flavors to the dough for an even more complex taste.
- Jam: Instead of strawberry jam, you can try cherry or raspberry jam.
- Toppings: Let your imagination run wild! You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits

Papanasi are a good source of protein from eggs and cheese, and the orange zest adds a boost of vitamin C. However, it's important to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar and calorie content. A serving of papanasi can contain approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?: Yes, but the result will be a bit less creamy.
2. How can I avoid the dough sticking to my hands?: Use flour on your hands and on the work surface. You can also refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before shaping it.
3. Can I freeze the papanasi?: Yes, it is recommended to freeze them unassembled (without jam and whipped cream) and fry them just before serving.

Papanasi are more than just a simple dessert; they are a cooking experience that brings warm memories and smiles to the faces of loved ones. So, embrace this recipe and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!