Zarzarasi with honey

Honey Zarzarasi - A Quick and Tasty Delicacy

Celebrate joyful and warm moments with your loved ones with a simple and delicious recipe: Honey Zarzarasi, also known as mini papanasi. These small fluffy doughnuts are perfect for an energizing breakfast, a sweet snack, or a savory dessert. At first impression, you can't help but fall in love with their captivating aroma and soft texture. Let's begin the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 30 pieces

Ingredients:

- 400 g cottage cheese (choose a fresh cheese for better taste)
- 1 egg (preferably at room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons of flour (you can use whole wheat flour for extra nutrients)
- 1 vanilla essence (to add a pleasant fragrance)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (to give them a bit of fluffiness)
- 1/2 liter of oil for frying (choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil)
- Honey for serving (or other favorite toppings like jam, sour cream, or chocolate)

Preparation:

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the egg, vanilla essence, sugar, and baking soda. Use a fork or whisk to mix the ingredients well until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. Make sure the cheese is well crushed to avoid large cheese bubbles in the dough.

2. Adding the flour: Gradually incorporate the flour into the cheese mixture. It's normal for the dough to be slightly sticky, so avoid adding too much flour, as this could result in firmer zarzarasi. Form a large ball from the mixture and place it on a well-floured surface.

3. Shaping the zarzarasi: With floured hands, start shaping small balls the size of walnuts from the dough obtained. You should get about 30 pieces. They will puff up nicely during frying, so don't worry if they seem small!

4. Frying: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the zarzarasi. Fry the dough balls on all sides until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a spatula to carefully turn them. Remove the zarzarasi onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

5. Serving: Serve the zarzarasi warm, drizzled with honey. You can accompany them with sour cream, fruit jam, or melted chocolate for added flavor. These mini papanasi are truly delicious and can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Practical tips:

- Make sure the cottage cheese is well drained to achieve the ideal texture.
- For a more intense flavor, you can add lemon or orange zest to the cheese mixture.
- If you want to experiment, try adding some chocolate pieces or dried fruits to the dough.

Nutritional benefits:

Zarzarasi are a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese, and the egg provides essential nutrients for energy. Also, with a low sugar content, they can be a healthier choice than other traditional desserts, especially if served with natural honey.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese, but be sure to adjust the amount of flour, as the consistency may vary.

2. How can I store zarzarasi?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or pan to regain their crispy texture.

3. What other recipes can they be paired with?
Zarzarasi go wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a flavored tea, or even a fruit smoothie for a complete breakfast.

4. Can they be frozen?
Yes, zarzarasi can be frozen after they have completely cooled. You can reheat them directly from the freezer in the oven.

These Honey Zarzarasi are more than just a quick dessert recipe; they are a symbol of joy, of moments spent together, and of the pleasure of cooking. So, don't hesitate, gather the ingredients and embark on this culinary journey! Enjoy your meal!