Recipe for preparing papanasi

Cottage Cheese Papanasi - A Traditional Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Frying time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a delicious serving of papanasi? This cottage cheese papanasi recipe is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, offering a culinary experience that will delight your taste buds. Originating from ancient traditions, papanasi are often considered a dessert, but for many of us, they can also be a hearty snack at any time of the day.

To prepare these papanasi, you don’t need many ingredients, and the final result is simply delicious. Let’s get started!

Ingredients needed:

- 300 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 80 g sugar (you can adjust according to your preferences)
- 2 eggs (fresh)
- 200 g flour (make sure to sift it to avoid lumps)
- 3 tablespoons semolina (for a fluffier texture)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- A dash of vanilla essence (or natural vanilla)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for a touch of freshness)
- Oil for frying (choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil)
- Yogurt and rose hip jam for serving (or melted chocolate, caramel sauce, as preferred)

Steps to prepare the papanasi:

1. Preparing the cheese: Start by ensuring that the cottage cheese is well-drained. If it is too wet, your papanasi will be difficult to shape. Use a sieve or cheesecloth to remove excess liquid.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, salt, baking soda, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined. A good choice is to use a fork or a whisk to achieve a homogeneous mixture.

3. Adding the flour and semolina: Begin to incorporate the semolina and then the flour, little by little, mixing gradually. It is important not to add all the flour at once but to adjust the amount based on how wet the cheese is. The dough should be soft but firm enough to be shaped.

4. Shaping the papanasi: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into small portions and form balls. Slightly flatten them, then make a hole in the center with your finger or a utensil. If desired, you can also create smaller balls to place on top of the papanasi.

5. Frying the papanasi: In a deep pan, heat the oil to the optimal temperature (almost 180°C). You can check the oil temperature by throwing in a small piece of dough – if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. Carefully place the papanasi in the oil, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry them on each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they become golden and crispy.

6. Removing and serving: After frying, remove the papanasi onto a plate covered with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve them warm, with yogurt and rose hip jam, or for a more decadent version, with melted chocolate or caramel sauce.

Practical tips:

- Adjusting moisture: If the cottage cheese is too wet, you can add a tablespoon or two of extra flour, but be careful not to make it too tough.
- Serving variations: Instead of yogurt, you can use sour cream or even vanilla ice cream for a cooler dessert.
- Oven-baked papanasi: A healthier option is to bake the papanasi in the oven. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the papanasi on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden.

Nutritional benefits:

This dessert is a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese, while also providing carbohydrates from flour and sugar. The added semolina contributes additional fiber. Although they are delicious, it is advisable to consume them in moderation, as they can be caloric, but they are certainly a well-deserved treat.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another type of cheese?: Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or goat cheese, but the result will be different. Make sure the cheese is well-drained.
- What can I do with leftovers?: Leftover papanasi can be placed in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave or oven. You can also transform them into pastries by adding them to other pastry dishes.
- Can I freeze papanasi?: Yes, you can freeze them after they have completely cooled. Make sure they are well-packaged to prevent excessive freezing.

Papanasi are more than just a simple dessert; they carry memories and traditions, and each bite is an explosion of flavor and joy. So, put on a smile and prepare these papanasi that will surely bring happiness around the table!