Recipe for preparing papanasi with cherry jam

Cheese Dumplings with Sour Cherry Jam - A Sweet Indulgence

Cheese dumplings are a traditional delicacy that has delighted generations with their fluffy texture and decadent taste. This recipe for cheese dumplings with sour cherry jam adds a touch of refinement and a perfect contrast between the mild cheese dough and the tartness of the cherries. Moreover, preparing this dessert is a true pleasure, and the final result will surely impress anyone who sits at your table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 500 g cottage cheese (make sure it is well drained)
- 3 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- A pinch of salt
- Flour (as needed to achieve an elastic dough)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for added flavor)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or natural vanilla, if you prefer)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Sour cherry jam (or any other preferred jam, but sour cherries work wonderfully)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Cheese: Start by preparing the cottage cheese. Ensure it is well drained to avoid a too wet dough. If the cheese is not very fine, you can mash it slightly with a fork or use a blender to achieve a creamy texture. This will contribute to a less dense dough.

2. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar and the 3 egg yolks. Use a mixer on medium speed to achieve a homogeneous composition. Add the baking powder, semolina, lemon zest, and vanilla sugar. The mixture should be creamy and aromatic.

3. Incorporating the Egg Whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial to give lightness to the dumplings. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture with a spatula, being careful not to destroy the airy structure.

4. Adding the Flour: Begin to gradually add flour, mixing gently until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. Do not overdo it with the flour, as the dumplings will become too dense. Once the dough is ready, cover it with a clean towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.

5. Shaping the Dumplings: On a surface sprinkled with a little flour, take a portion of dough and form a roll. Cut slices about 2 cm thick. From each slice, form a ball, being careful not to overload your hands with flour. Use a gentle motion to keep the air in the dough.

6. Frying: In a deep skillet, heat the oil until it becomes hot. Check the temperature by adding a small piece of dough; if it rises to the surface and starts to sizzle, it’s time to add the dumplings. Fry them on both sides until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove them onto an absorbent paper towel to eliminate excess oil.

7. Serving: The dumplings are delicious warm, so you can serve them immediately. Add a generous spoonful of sour cream on top and complete with sour cherry jam. If you want a touch of elegance, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar for a special appearance.

Practical Tips:

- Choosing the Cheese: Choose a quality cottage cheese, preferably from a local producer. Fresh cheese will make a difference in the final taste of the dumplings.
- Oil for Frying: Use sunflower oil or canola oil, as they have a higher smoke point and will not change their flavor.
- Diet Version: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the dumplings in the oven at 180°C for about 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Variations: Experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can replace the sour cherry jam with strawberry or raspberry jam, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits:

Cheese dumplings with cottage cheese are a good source of protein, thanks to the cheese, and provide a healthy dose of carbohydrates from the semolina and sugar. Of course, consumption should be moderate, but enjoying these treats can be an occasional pleasure within a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can replace cottage cheese with ricotta or goat cheese, but make sure the texture does not become too wet.

2. What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
Add a little flour, but in small amounts, so as not to affect the final texture.

3. How can I keep the dumplings from drying out?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I do not recommend refrigeration, as the texture may change.

The perfect dessert for a weekend brunch or a special evening, cheese dumplings with sour cherry jam are a choice that will not disappoint. Try this simple recipe and treat your friends and family to a delicious dish full of tradition and love! Enjoy!