Papanasi are Romanian fried cheese doughnuts made with farmer cheese and served warm with sour cream and fruit jam.
The dough stays tender from the cheese while a short fry creates a golden crust that balances the cool cream and glossy jam.
Drain the cheese well before mixing; excess moisture makes the dough difficult to shape and causes splattering in the oil.
Serving Suggestions
Stack the papanasi with sour cream and blueberry or sour-cherry jam between the rings and on top.
Recipe Notes
Use well-drained ricotta if farmer cheese is unavailable. Fry in batches so the oil temperature stays steady.
Romanian Papanasi
Golden Romanian fried cheese doughnuts served with sour cream, blueberry jam, and sugar.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon
- Paper-lined tray
- Small cookie cutter
Ingredients
Cheese Dough
- 1 1/2 lb farmer cheese well drained
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon zest finely grated
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for shaping
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Frying and Serving
- 4 cups neutral oil for frying
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup blueberry jam or sour-cherry jam
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- Mix the cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Chill for 15 minutes, then divide into six portions. Shape each into a ring with a small ball for the top.
Fry:
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden.
- Drain on a paper-lined tray.
Assemble:
- Top each doughnut with sour cream, jam, and its small dough ball.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the oil.
- Serve the papanasi soon after frying for the best texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 610kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 19gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 560mgFiber: 2gSugar: 29g