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Romanian Papanasi

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Romanian Papanasi cheese doughnuts with sour cream, blueberry jam, and sugar.
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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.

A close serving of golden Romanian Papanasi with sour cream and blueberry jam.

Recipe Notes

Use well-drained ricotta if farmer cheese is unavailable. Fry in batches so the oil temperature stays steady.

Romanian Papanasi cheese doughnuts with sour cream, blueberry jam, and sugar.

Romanian Papanasi

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Golden Romanian fried cheese doughnuts served with sour cream, blueberry jam, and sugar.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Romanian
Calories: 610
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

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

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper-lined tray
  • Small cookie cutter

Method
 

Make the Dough:
  1. Mix the cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms.
  2. Chill for 15 minutes, then divide into six portions. Shape each into a ring with a small ball for the top.
Fry:
  1. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden.
  2. Drain on a paper-lined tray.
Assemble:
  1. Top each doughnut with sour cream, jam, and its small dough ball.
  2. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 19gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 560mgFiber: 2gSugar: 29g

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the oil.
  • Serve the papanasi soon after frying for the best texture.

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