The recipe for making fluffy papanasi

Fluffy papanasi – a traditional delight

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

Who can resist a serving of fluffy papanasi, topped with sour cream and jam? This dessert, with a rich history, is loved by many and often associated with moments of indulgence alongside loved ones. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but it has certainly become a symbol of hospitality and culinary joy.

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably from a farm, for an authentic taste)
- 100 g sugar (or more, depending on your preferences)
- 2 eggs (large and fresh, to achieve a fluffy texture)
- A few drops of vanilla essence or 2 packets of vanilla sugar (for an inviting aroma)
- A few drops of rum essence (optional, but recommended for a more complex flavor)
- A pinch of baking soda (to help the papanasi rise)
- 200 g flour (type 000, for a fine texture)
- Zest of one orange (for a note of freshness)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Jam (of cherries, blueberries, or any preferred type)
- Walnuts (optional, to add a crunchy texture)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the cheese
Start by draining the cottage cheese well, ensuring it has no excess liquid. You can use a sieve or cheesecloth to let it drain for a few minutes. Well-drained cheese will make your papanasi fluffier and better shaped.

2. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the sugar, eggs, vanilla essence, and rum essence. Mix the ingredients well using a hand mixer or spatula until you achieve a smooth composition. Adding the rum essence is a secret that will give the papanasi a refined aroma.

3. Including the baking soda and flour
Gradually add the baking soda and flour, mixing continuously. Ensure there are no lumps, and the dough becomes a slightly sticky but pliable mass. The orange zest will bring a note of freshness that will make your papanasi truly special.

4. Shaping the papanasi
On a floured surface, take portions of the dough and shape them into balls the size of a tennis ball. Gently flatten them and use your finger to make an indentation in the center of each papanas. This step is essential to give them their characteristic appearance.

5. Cooking the papanasi
In a deep pan or pot with hot oil (about 180°C), fry the papanasi on both sides until they turn golden. Make sure to turn them carefully so they don't break. The papanasi are ready when they become golden and fluffy – about 3-4 minutes on each side.

6. Serving
After removing them from the pan, place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve the papanasi warm, with a generous portion of sour cream and jam on top. Don't hesitate to sprinkle ground walnuts for an extra texture and flavor.

Useful tips:

- Cottage cheese: Choose a quality cheese, as this will significantly influence the final taste. A fresh cheese with a higher fat content will make the papanasi fluffier.

- Jam: You can experiment with different types of jam, such as raspberry or strawberry, to give your dessert a personal touch.

- Variations: If you want to try a healthier version, you can replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour or add oats for a different texture.

- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use low-fat cheese? It is recommended to use cheese with a higher fat content to achieve fluffier papanasi.
- What tips do I have to avoid sticking in the pan? Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the papanasi and do not overcrowd the pan.

Nutrition:
- Papanasi, being made from cottage cheese, provide a good source of protein and calcium. However, they have a relatively high caloric content due to the sugar and oil used for frying, so enjoy them in moderation!

This delicious dessert can be served alongside a fragrant coffee or fruit tea, offering a perfect balance between taste and pleasure. Fluffy papanasi are not just a dessert, but an experience that takes you back to joyful moments from childhood. So gather your loved ones and treat them with this simple yet flavorful recipe. Enjoy!