The recipe for making fried papanasi, served with sour cream and blueberry and sour cherry jam.

Fried Romanian Donuts with Sour Cream and Blueberry and Sour Cherry Jam

Who doesn't remember the warm and comforting aroma of fried donuts, a traditional Romanian dessert that brings back childhood memories? These fluffy donuts, served with sour cream and blueberry or sour cherry jam, are a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a quiet evening at home. Let's discover together how to make them!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg cottage cheese (ideally use fresh, well-drained cheese)
- 4 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g flour (plus extra for dusting)
- Grated zest of one lemon (this ingredient will add a fresh note)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a balanced taste)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- A pinch of salt (salt will enhance the flavors)
- Oil for frying (use sunflower or canola oil)

For garnish:
- Blueberry and sour cherry jam (choose natural jams without added preservatives)
- Sour cream (preferably thick sour cream for perfect creaminess)

Nutritional Information (per serving approximately):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained and the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon zest and juice, vanilla sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Using a fork or mixer, mix well until you achieve a smooth consistency.

3. Adding the flour: Gradually incorporate the flour. You can use a spatula or your hands to gently knead the mixture. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too wet, you can add a little more flour.

4. Shaping the donuts: On a clean surface, sprinkle a little flour. Take a portion of the dough (about a handful), shape it into a roll about the thickness of a finger, then join the ends to form a circle. You can do this step with wet hands to avoid sticking.

5. Frying the donuts: In a deep pan, heat the oil to medium temperature (about 170-180 °C). Carefully place the donuts in the pan, a few at a time, and fry them until golden on both sides (about 3-4 minutes on each side). Use a spatula to turn them easily.

6. Draining excess oil: Once fried, remove the donuts onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

Serving

Serve the donuts warm, two at a time, alongside sour cream and blueberry or sour cherry jam. For an extra touch of flavor, you can dust them with powdered sugar. This dessert is not only delicious but also a true visual delight!

Variations

- Flavored donuts: Try adding a few drops of rum or vanilla essence to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Baked donuts: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the donuts in the oven at 180 °C for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Practical Tips

- Cottage cheese: Choose a very well-drained cheese; if the cheese is too wet, the donuts will be harder to shape.
- Frying: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the donuts; otherwise, they will sink and absorb too much oil.
- Powdered sugar: If you like sweeter donuts, feel free to add more sugar to the dough or generously dust them with powdered sugar at serving time.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of cheese? It is recommended to use cottage cheese, but you can also experiment with ricotta, making sure to drain it well of any excess liquid.
- What jam should I choose? Besides blueberry and sour cherry jam, you can also try strawberry, raspberry, or even a combination of fruits.
- Can the donuts be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the fried donuts; make sure to let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight bag. When you want to consume them, you can fry them again to reheat.

Fried donuts with sour cream and blueberry or sour cherry jam are more than just a simple dessert; they are a true culinary experience that will make you feel at home. Once you prepare them, you'll create lovely memories for yourself and your loved ones. So, don't wait any longer! Get to work and enjoy these delicious treats!