Traditional Papanași Prăjiți: Fried Fresh-Cheese Doughnuts with Sour Cream and Sour Cherry Jam
Papanași prăjiți are Romanian fried doughnuts made with well-drained fresh cow's cheese. Each portion is a ring topped with its separately fried small ball, then finished with sour cream and sour cherry preserve; salty Telemea is not used in the dough.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh cheese and eggs. Use a fork to mash the cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; mix well.
- 2
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until manageable.
- 3
Drain and mash the fresh cow's cheese, then mix with eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt. Fold in flour and baking powder only until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms; excess flour makes dense papanași.
- 4
Divide into 4 large portions and 4 small ones. Shape each large portion into a thick ring with a clear centre hole; roll the small portions into balls.
- 5
Fry rings and balls in 170-175°C oil in batches, turning until evenly deep golden and cooked through. Drain well on paper.
- 6
Place one warm ring on each plate, spoon sour cream and sour cherry preserve over it, and perch its small fried ball on top so the traditional ring-and-cap silhouette remains visible.
Cook notes
Tips
Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the doughnuts, or they may absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Don’t skip the thumb indentation; it helps the doughnuts cook evenly and create a perfect texture.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in a skillet to restore crispiness before serving.
Substitutions
- Use ricotta cheese instead of fresh cheese if needed.
- Brown sugar can replace white sugar for a different flavor.
What to Serve With
- A side of fresh fruit salad
- A cup of strong Romanian coffee
- Vanilla ice cream for an indulgence
Common Mistakes
- Overcrowding the pan while frying can lead to uneven cooking.
- Not letting the oil heat properly may result in greasy doughnuts.
Recipe FAQ
What type of cheese is best for Papanași?
Use well-drained brânză de vaci, farmer's cheese, or another mild fresh cow's-milk cheese. Salty Telemea is not suitable for the dough.
Can I use a different type of jam?
While sour cherry jam is traditional, you can substitute it with any fruit preserve you prefer.
How can I store leftover Papanași?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or skillet before serving.
Kitchen tools
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Rice cooker
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Blender
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Skillet
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Chef knife
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Cutting board
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