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Papanasi: Romanian Sweet Cheese Donuts with Blueberries & Cream

Papanasi: Romanian Sweet Cheese Donuts with Blueberries & Cream
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Papanasi: Romanian Sweet Cheese Donuts with Blueberries & Cream is an authentic Romanian dessert featuring fluffy, golden fried cheese donuts topped with fresh blueberries and creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt. This delightful treat balances crispy exteriors with soft, cheesy interiors and a fresh fruity twist, perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)

For Topping

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese Dough: In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and baking powder until combined. Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft, elastic dough forms that is moist but manageable for shaping.
  2. Shape the Donuts: Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each piece into a ball. Press a smaller piece of dough into the center of each ball to form a traditional donut shape with a hole in the middle.
  3. Fry the Donuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to around 350°F (175°C). Fry the shaped donuts in batches, turning them carefully, until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Drain and Cool: Remove the fried donuts from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving.
  5. Add Toppings: Generously spoon sour cream or Greek yogurt over each donut. Top with fresh blueberries and sprinkle with powdered sugar for the classic finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality cottage cheese or ricotta for the best texture and flavor.
  • Maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F to ensure even frying without excess greasiness.
  • Mix dough just until combined to keep donuts tender and avoid tough texture.
  • Fry a test donut first to check oil temperature and cooking time, adjusting as necessary.
  • Serve Papanasi warm for optimal taste and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Papanasi, Romanian donuts, sweet cheese donuts, fried donuts, traditional Romanian dessert, blueberry topping, sour cream dessert

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/papanasi-romanian-sweet-cheese-donuts-with-blueberries-cream/