Recipe for making cheese doughnuts

Delicious recipe for Papanasi with Cream and Strawberry Jam

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total: 2 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

History of Papanas

Papanasii is a traditional dessert that brings smiles on the faces of those who taste it. This delicious dish, originally from Romanian cuisine, was created to provide the perfect combination of sweetness and flavor, and is often served on festive days or at family dinners. With a soft and fluffy texture, papanasii are often accompanied by cream and jam, making it an irresistible dessert.

Ingredients

- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably well drained)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (dissolved with a little lemon juice)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar (or a teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 100 g flour (plus extra for modeling)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Sweet cream (for serving)
- Strawberry jam (or any other favorite jam)

Preparation Step by Step

1. Prepare ingredients: Start by draining the cottage cheese of excess water. You can mash it with a fork or blender to get a smooth texture. Make sure the cheese is well drained, otherwise the dough will be too wet.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt and bicarbonate of soda dissolved in lemon juice. Mix everything together with a spatula or a whisk until smooth.

3. Adding the flour: Start adding the flour gradually, stirring continuously. You will notice that the dough becomes more and more consistent. Continue adding flour until the dough becomes soft but not sticky. You may need to use between 80g and 100g of flour, depending on the moisture content of the cheese.

4. Chilling the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and refrigerate the dough for about 2 hours. It will become easier to shape after chilling.

5. Forming the papanas: Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Spread some flour on a work surface and take a portion of the dough. Shape into golf-ball sized balls and flatten slightly into a meatball shape. Use your finger to make a dent in the center of each ball. You can leave a few small round balls to toast as a serving option.

6. Frying the papanas: In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the papanas so that they fry evenly. Fry the papanas on each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure even frying.

7. Serving: Once the papanas are fried, remove them to a napkin to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with a generous dollop of sweet cream and strawberry jam on top. This combination will turn every bite into a burst of flavor.

Practical tips

- If you want a healthier version, you can use skimmed cottage cheese, but this may affect the final texture.
- Instead of strawberry jam, experiment with other types of jam, such as cherry or blueberry, for a different taste.
- Papanas can also be served with chocolate sauce or fresh fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Although cottage cheese is the traditional ingredient, you can also try ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.

2. How can I store papanas?
Fried papanas can be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, but it's best to eat them fresh to savor their fluffy texture.

3. What's the best way to reheat them?
You can reheat the papanas in the microwave for a few seconds or you can pan-fry them again quickly to restore their crunch.

Nutritional benefits

Papanas are a good source of protein thanks to the cottage cheese, and the eggs add essential nutrients. However, it is important to be aware of sugar and oil intake, so enjoy them in moderation.

Combining Recipes

Papanas go perfectly with a cup of flavored tea or a strong espresso. You can also try serving them alongside a chocolate mousse or a fresh fruit tart for a great dessert.

Now that you have all the information you need, all you have to do is get cooking! Your papanas are sure to become the stars of the table, and your family and friends will appreciate your effort and creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 500 g cottage cheese - 2 eggs - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda with a little lemon juice - 3 tablespoons sugar - vanilla - sweet cream - a little salt - 100 g flour