How to Make Papanași: A Taste of Romanian Tradition in Your Kitchen

Imagine biting into a fluffy, golden-brown donut, drizzled with a generous amount of sour cream and sprinkled with sweet and tart berry jam. This, my friends, is the magic of Papanași, a traditional Romanian dessert that will conquer your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Papanași might sound intimidating, but I promise you, it’s surprisingly easy to recreate this delightful treat in your own kitchen. This recipe will guide you step-by-step to make these delightful Romanian cheese donuts. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, get ready to impress your loved ones with this taste of Romania.

Unveiling the Secrets of Delicious Papanași: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Doughnuts:

• 500g (1.1 lbs) dry curd cheese (farmer’s cheese or ricotta cheese can be used as substitutes)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but adds a delightful citrusy aroma)
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 200g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Topping:

• 200ml (1 cup) sour cream (full-fat for best results)
• 100g (1/2 cup) berry jam of your choice (sour cherry or blueberry jam are traditional favorites)
• 50g (1/4 cup) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch and flavor)

Papanași Ingredients

Tools of the Trade:

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Grater or microplane (for lemon zest)
• Deep frying pan or pot
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Serving platter

Let’s Get Cooking:

1. Preparing the Papanași Dough:

1. In your mixing bowl, combine the dry curd cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest (if using), and sugar. Mix well until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

2. Shaping the Papanași:

1. Lightly dust your hands and work surface with flour.
2. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions.
3. Roll each portion into a smooth ball, then gently flatten it into a disc about 1.5cm (0.5 inches) thick.
4. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each disc to create the traditional donut shape.

3. Frying to Golden Perfection:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil – it should sizzle gently and rise to the surface.
2. Carefully place the Papanași discs into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden-brown color.
4. Once cooked, remove the Papanași from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

4. Assembling Your Masterpiece:

1. While the Papanași are still warm, top each one with a generous dollop of sour cream.
2. Drizzle your favorite berry jam over the sour cream.
3. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.

Fried Papanași

Serving and Enjoying:

Papanași are best served immediately after frying, while they are still warm and fluffy. This Romanian treat is traditionally enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Papanași:

• Cheese Matters: The key to light and fluffy Papanași lies in using dry curd cheese. If you can’t find it, farmer’s cheese or ricotta cheese are good substitutes. Just make sure to drain them well to remove excess moisture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop gluten, resulting in dense and chewy, not fluffy, Papanași.
• Temperature Control: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for evenly cooked and crispy Papanași. If the oil is not hot enough, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they will burn on the outside before cooking through.
• Sweet and Sour Symphony: The combination of creamy sour cream and tart berry jam creates a beautiful balance of flavors. Feel free to experiment with different jam varieties like sour cherry, blueberry, or even apricot.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I bake Papanași instead of frying them?
A: While frying is the traditional method, you can bake Papanași for a slightly healthier option. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: It’s best to cook the Papanași dough immediately after mixing. However, you can prepare the toppings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.

Q: What can I serve with Papanași?
A: Papanași are typically enjoyed on their own as a dessert. However, you can pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

A Taste of Romanian Tradition Awaits:

There you have it – your guide to making delicious, authentic Papanași. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to experience the warmth and generosity of Romanian cuisine. Now, it’s your turn to bring this taste of Romania into your own kitchen. Share the joy of homemade Papanași with your loved ones and savor every bite of this delightful dessert.

Plated Papanași

Don’t forget to share your Papanași adventures with us! Leave a comment below and tell us about your experience. Happy cooking!