Recipe for making cheese doughnuts

Papanasi are a traditional Romanian dessert known for their fluffy texture and rich taste, often accompanied by sour cream and jam. This recipe for papanasi is simple but requires attention to detail to achieve a perfect result. We will expand on the preparation process and provide some useful tips to ensure that the papanasi turn out exactly as you desire.

We start by preparing the necessary ingredients. You need cottage cheese, which should be well drained of whey. It is advisable to use fresh, quality cheese, as this will greatly influence the final taste of the papanasi. You will also need flour, semolina, eggs, salt, and of course, oil for frying.

The first step is to crush the cheese. Using a fork, mash the cheese in a large bowl. It is important that the cheese is well crumbled so that it integrates evenly into the final mixture. Once you have achieved a homogeneous consistency, add the flour and semolina. These ingredients are essential to give structure to the papanasi and make them fluffy. Mix them well with a spatula or wooden spoon.

Next, add the whole eggs and salt. The eggs will not only bind the mixture but also add a rich flavor to the papanasi. Mix everything carefully, ensuring that the ingredients are well incorporated. Don’t hesitate to use your hands at this step, as sometimes it is the most effective way to achieve an even mixture. If you find that the dough is too wet, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the papanasi can easily become too tough.

Once you have obtained a homogeneous dough, start shaping the papanasi. Take a portion of dough and form round balls, making sure to keep them similar in size for even frying. In the center of each ball, make a hole with your finger or a spoon, keeping in mind that this hole will allow steam to escape during frying and will help achieve an airy texture.

After you have shaped all the papanasi, prepare the oil for frying. Choose a deep pan and heat the oil over medium heat. It is important that the oil is well heated but not boiling. You can check the oil temperature by throwing in a small piece of dough; if it rises to the surface and starts to sizzle, it’s a sign that the oil is ready. Start frying the papanasi in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, to allow for even frying.

Fry them until they become golden and crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy on the inside. Once they are ready, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

Finally, serve the papanasi warm, alongside sour cream and your favorite jam. There are plenty of jam options you can choose from: berry, sour cherry, or even orange marmalade. This delicious combination will turn the papanasi into an absolutely irresistible dessert, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!