A fluffy cheese donut served up with fresh Transylvanian berry jam.
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"Good food brings joy to the soul and fulfillment to the heart." - Nicolae Iorga
Papanasi are a Romanian dessert consisting of dumplings made from a mixture of cottage cheese, eggs, flour, and sugar. The dough is shaped into round dumplings and then either fried until golden brown or boiled. The cooked dumplings are typically served warm and are accompanied by a topping of sour cream and a spoonful of jam, often cherry or raspberry. Papanasi are cherished in Romanian cuisine for their rich taste and their association with celebrations and special occasions. They represent a fusion of flavors and textures, combining the sweetness of the jam, the creaminess of the cheese, and the indulgence of frying.
As a popular traditional dessert, papanasi continue to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, showcasing the unique flavors and culinary heritage of Romania.
The exact origin of papanasi is not well-documented, but they are believed to have been a part of Romanian cuisine for centuries. The word "papanasi" itself is thought to have Slavic origins, but the dish has become an integral part of Romanian culinary culture.
Papanasi were traditionally prepared as a special treat, often served during festive occasions, holidays, and family gatherings.
Over the years, the recipe has evolved, with different regions of Romania adding their own twists and variations to the dish. While the basic ingredients remain consistent, the exact preparation and presentation of papanasi can differ from one area to another.
The dessert gained popularity both within Romania and among tourists as the country's culinary scene became more recognized. Papanasi are now commonly found in Romanian restaurants and have also made appearances in international food blogs and magazines.
Today in Romania, they are a celebrated dessert found in many local restaurants. You'll see the dishes of papanasi whisked out of the kitchen and to happy clients at wooden tables. A great place to try Papanasi in Bucharest is Cara Cu Bere, one of the cities most famous establishments.
Romanian Papanasi
Prep time 30 mins | Cook time 15-20 mins | Serves 6
Ingredients:
For the dumplings:
250g cottage cheese (drained) - Romanian Brynza Cheese is best
1 egg
2 tablespoons semolina
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
A pinch of salt
Zest from 1 lemon
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For frying:
Vegetable oil
For serving:
Sour cream
Fruit jam (cherry or raspberry is traditional) - the jam should be a bit runny, so if its too thick, add it to a hot pan with a bit of water to loosen it up.
Powdered sugar
Fresh berries (optional)
Instructions:
1.Prepare the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, semolina, flour, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and a dough forms.
The dough will be incredibly stick, but this is what you're looking for.
2. Shape the Dumplings:
For papanasi, you'll make a traditional circle donut, as well as donut holes. In serving the donut sits at the bottom and the hole on top, so make sure that the hole is big enough to sit on the donut.
In short, we need donuts and their holes seperated
3. Fry the Dumplings:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
Carefully place the dumplings in the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side.
Once cooked, remove the dumplings from the oil and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
4. Serve:
To serve, place the bigger fried donut on a serving plate.
Spoon a dollop of sour cream on top of each dumpling.
Add a spoon of fruit jam in the center of each dumpling, allowing it to spread slightly.
Next put the smaller donut hole on top, cover with sour cream and jam again
Optionally, you can sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and garnish with fresh berries.
Papanasi are best enjoyed while still warm, when the outside is crispy and the inside is soft and creamy.
Remember that this is a basic recipe, and there can be variations in ingredients and proportions based on personal preferences and regional differences. Feel free to experiment with the recipe to make it your own!
Please note that cooking with hot oil can be dangerous, so exercise caution while frying the dumplings.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. Let's explore international cuisine together!
If you like the flavors of the Balkans you'll also enjoy these recipes from the subcontinent:
Balkan
Main Dishes
Albanian Fergese - A cheese and roasted pepper hot pot
Bulgarian Banitsa - A cheese and filo dough pie
Croatian Pasticada - A hearty meat dish with gnocchi
Cypriot Koupepia - Meat and rice stuffed grape leaves.
Greek Gemista - A dish of rice stuffed peppers and roasted potatoes
Kosovar Fli - A layered pancake dish
Montenegrin Kacamak - A hearty corn flour porridge served with melted butter and cheese
North Macedonian Tavce Gravce - A filling sausage and bean hot dish
Serbian Karadjordjeva Snicla - A stuffed and rolled schnitzel type dish
On The Sweeter Side
Bosnian Tufahije - A sweet apple and nut dessert
Romanian Papanasi - A sweet cheese donut with berry jam and sour cream
Slovenian Potica - A Christmas bread with nuts and honey
Slovenian & Croatian Strukli - A rolled and steamed pie dish thats filled with ricotta and honey
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