Montenegrin-style Sweet Cheese Fritters

Ingredients

In this Montenegrin adaptation of Pantua, we replace the traditional Bangladeshi ingredients like khoya and semolina with sweet cheese, which is a staple in Montenegrin cuisine. The spices are also adjusted to suit the Montenegrin palate, incorporating flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg. Additionally, the fritters are shaped into small balls instead of the elongated shape of Pantua. We alse have the original recipe for Pantua, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) sweet cheese 250g (8.8 oz) sweet cheese
• 50g (1.8 oz) all-purpose flour 50g (1.8 oz) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 10g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, crumble the sweet cheese and add the sugar. Mix well until the sugar is evenly distributed.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the dry mixture to the sweet cheese mixture, stirring until a thick batter forms.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Using a spoon or your hands, shape the batter into small balls.
6. 6.
   Carefully drop the balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the Montenegrin-style Sweet Cheese Fritters warm and enjoy their crispy exterior and gooey center.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sweet cheese — Make sure to crumble the sweet cheese finely to ensure a smooth texture in the fritters.

Tips & Tricks

• For added sweetness, you can dust the fritters with powdered sugar before serving.
• Experiment with different spices like cardamom or cloves to add a unique twist to the fritters.
• Serve the fritters with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

Serving advice

Serve the Montenegrin-style Sweet Cheese Fritters warm as a dessert or a sweet snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fritters on a serving platter and sprinkle them with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few fresh berries for a pop of color.