Recipe for making cheese doughnuts

Delicious Papanasi Recipe: A Classic Dessert Full of Flavor

Who doesn't love a dessert that brings a smile to their face? Papanasi are a true symbol of traditional sweets, the perfect combination of creamy cottage cheese and the enticing flavors of jam. These filled doughnuts are easy to make and, with a little attention, will become the stars of the table. Let’s discover together how to prepare the most delicious papanasi!

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients:

- 250 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained to avoid excess moisture)
- 3 tablespoons of flour (you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier touch)
- 1 egg (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (apple cider vinegar can add a subtle flavor)
- 1 liter of frying oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- 300 ml sour cream (for a creamy texture, choose full-fat sour cream)
- Sour cherry jam (or any preferred jam)

The Story of Papanasi:

Papanasi have a long history and are often associated with moments of joy and family gatherings. This recipe is passed down from generation to generation, with each family having its own version. Regardless of the chosen variant, papanasi manage to bring people together, enjoyed by everyone from children to the elderly.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all necessary ingredients. Ensure that the cottage cheese is well-drained to prevent adding moisture to the dough. A high-quality cheese will make a difference!

2. Beat the egg: In a medium bowl, beat the egg well with a whisk or fork until it becomes frothy. This will help aerate the dough.

3. Activating the baking soda: Add the baking soda mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar. Mix quickly, as the reaction between the acid in the vinegar and the baking soda will help the doughnuts rise.

4. Adding the cheese: Incorporate the cottage cheese into the egg mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to combine the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

5. Including the flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing constantly with your hands. It is important not to add all the flour at once to control the dough's consistency. The dough should be soft but not sticky to your hands.

6. Shaping the papanasi: Once you have a uniform dough, divide it into equal portions. Shape the doughnuts into discs with a hole in the middle, similar to a ring. Also, form small balls from the same dough to be placed on top of the doughnuts.

7. Frying: In a deep skillet, add enough oil to cover the doughnuts (about 3-4 cm). Heat the oil over medium heat. You can check the oil temperature by throwing in a small piece of dough; if it floats and browns quickly, the oil is ready. Carefully fry the doughnuts and balls, 2-3 at a time, to avoid crowding the skillet. Each side should be fried until golden.

8. Draining excess oil: Once the papanasi are browned, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

9. Serving: Serve the papanasi warm, garnished with rich sour cream and sour cherry jam. A personal suggestion would be to sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a more appealing look.

Useful Tips:

- You can experiment with different types of jam (raspberry, strawberry, or even chocolate) to change the flavors.
- If you want a lighter version, you can bake the papanasi instead of frying them. Place them in a greased tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Papanasi can also be enjoyed at breakfast, alongside natural yogurt or a fresh smoothie.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why is vinegar added to baking soda?
Vinegar activates the baking soda, generating carbon dioxide, which helps the doughnuts rise, giving them a fluffy texture.

2. Can I use another type of cheese?
Although cottage cheese is the most recommended, you can experiment with ricotta or goat cheese for a distinct flavor.

3. How can I store papanasi to consume later?
Papanasi can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or skillet to bring them back to life.

Nutritional Benefits:

Papanasi contain protein from cottage cheese and are a good source of calcium. The flour provides carbohydrates, and the jam adds antioxidants from fruit. Although they are a dessert, in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet.

Now that you have all the necessary details, it’s time to start cooking! Papanasi are not just a dessert but also an unforgettable experience. Enjoy them with your loved ones and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends. Enjoy your meal!