Recipe for fluffy cheese doughnuts

Fluffy Papanasi Recipe with Jam

Fluffy papanasi are a traditional Romanian dessert loved by everyone, being a perfect mix of textures and flavors. This simple recipe will transform your kitchen into a culinary paradise, and the result will surely be appreciated by the whole family. The total preparation time is approximately 40 minutes, and you can get 4 delicious servings.

Ingredients:
- 500 g cottage cheese (ideally drained and soft)
- 100 g sugar (preferably fine sugar)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or a few drops of vanilla essence)
- a few drops of rum essence
- a pinch of baking soda
- 200 g flour (plus extra for shaping the papanasi)
- grated zest of one orange
- sour cream for serving
- your favorite jam (strawberry or fig jam is ideal)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the mixture: Start by cracking the eggs into a large bowl and beating them with a mixer on medium speed until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, mixing well after each addition. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes a thick foam and shiny white.

2. Flavoring: Add the vanilla sugar, rum essence, and grated orange zest. Mix well to integrate the flavors. The orange zest will add a fresh, citrusy note, perfect for balancing the sweetness.

3. Incorporating the cheese: In another bowl, mix the well-drained cottage cheese until it becomes a fine puree. Then, add the cheese to the egg mixture and mix with a spatula or mixer until homogeneous.

4. Adding the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking soda and gradually add them to the mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until you obtain a soft but structured dough.

5. Shaping the papanasi: On a floured surface, take a portion of the dough and form small balls. Then, gently press in the center of each ball to create a dent. This step is important for the traditional appearance of the papanasi.

6. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is well heated before adding the papanasi. Fry them for 5 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. It is essential not to overcrowd the pan to allow for even frying.

7. Draining: After frying, remove the papanasi and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Let them cool slightly.

8. Serving: Serve the papanasi hot, garnished with sour cream and your favorite jam. A delicious idea is to place a small ball of dough on top, creating an attractive appearance. Blueberry or plum jam adds a tangy note that perfectly contrasts with the sweetness of the sour cream.

Variation suggestion: You can experiment with various flavors by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture, or you can replace the cottage cheese with ricotta for a finer texture.

With this fluffy papanasi recipe, you'll bring a touch of magic to every meal. Enjoy them with your loved ones and cherish the moments spent around the table. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Recipe for making papanasi: 500 g cow cheese, 100 g sugar, 2 eggs, a few drops of vanilla essence or 2 packets of vanilla sugar, a few drops of rum essence, a pinch of baking soda, 200 g flour, grated orange peel, sour cream, jam.

 Tags:  cheese doughnuts