Contents
Papanasi are classic Romanian fried cheese doughnuts, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, served warm with sour cream and sour cherry jam. This traditional dessert is comforting, nostalgic, and incredibly delicious – the perfect sweet treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 400 g Romanian cottage cheese (or well-drained substitute)
- 250 g self-raising flour
- 2 eggs
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying (enough for shallow frying)
For Serving:
- Sour cream (minimum 18% fat)
- 1 jar sour cherry jam (or homemade runny berry jam)
- Icing sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, lemon zest, vanilla sugar, and salt.
- Add the self-raising flour gradually and mix to form a sticky dough.
- Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Dust your hands with flour and shape the dough into rings and small balls.
- Heat oil in a shallow or deep pan.
- Fry the rings and balls in batches for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Plate each serving with one ring and one ball.
- Top with a generous spoon of sour cream and cherry jam.
- Dust with icing sugar and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
One of the most beloved Romanian desserts of all time, Papanasi (pronounced pah-pah-nash) are sweet, fluffy cheese doughnuts served warm, generously topped with cool sour cream and a dollop of sour cherry jam. These mouthwatering treats are found on nearly every traditional Romanian restaurant menu, and once you've tried them, it’s easy to see why! 😍
This delicious dessert may look like something you’d only find in a pastry shop or at a Romanian countryside feast, but surprisingly, they are simple to make at home with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you're exploring Romanian cuisine for the first time or reconnecting with cherished family recipes, this step-by-step guide will walk you through making authentic Romanian papanasi that taste just like grandma used to make.💭 A Childhood Memory That Lives On
Papanasi are more than just dessert – they’re comfort, nostalgia, and love on a plate. For many Romanians, they carry emotional value rooted in family traditions. One heartwarming story comes from someone who tasted their first papanasi on a warm summer night in their grandparents’ garden. The doughnuts were served fresh by their grandfather, topped with sour cream and homemade sour cherry jam made from the tree right above their heads. That evening became a treasured memory, especially because it was the only time they shared this dessert with him before his passing. Stories like this remind us how food connects us deeply to people and moments in time. ❤️🍽️ Recipe Notes & Pro Tips
- The dough will be sticky, and that’s perfectly normal. Don’t add more flour unless absolutely necessary.
- Dust your hands with flour to make shaping easier.
- Shallow frying works well and uses less oil. Just be careful the dough doesn’t stick to the pan.
- If you can’t find runny sour cherry jam, make your own! Simmer equal parts fruit and sugar with a squeeze of lemon juice until syrupy.
- Use sour cream with at least 18% fat for the authentic rich taste. Tesco’s 16% version can work in a pinch.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Papanasi Ahead of Time?
You can, but they’re best served fresh and hot. Reheating them in the microwave might make them chewy or tough. If you must store them, let them cool completely and keep them in an airtight container for up to 1 day.Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, but they won’t be quite as good as when freshly made. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave if possible.🇷🇴 Why Everyone Loves Papanasi
Romanian cuisine is all about heart, flavor, and family, and papanasi capture all of that in every bite. With their crispy outside, pillowy cheese center, tangy sour cream, and sweet cherry topping, these doughnuts are the perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something delicious, this papanasi recipe is a must-try.✨ Bring a taste of Romania into your kitchen today with this easy, authentic recipe for papanasi – and share the joy of tradition, one bite at a time! 🇷🇴🍩🍒
Oh my goodness, these Papanasi look amazing! That sour cherry jam with the warm, crispy doughnuts and sour cream… I’m drooling just reading the recipe. Definitely adding this to my “must-try” list! The homemade jam option sounds especially tempting.