Papanași with Sour Cherry Sauce

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) cottage cheese 250g (8.8 oz) cottage cheese
• 100g (3.5 oz) all-purpose flour 100g (3.5 oz) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Sour cream, for serving Sour cream, for serving
• For the sour cherry sauce: For the sour cherry sauce:
• 300g (10.6 oz) sour cherries, pitted 300g (10.6 oz) sour cherries, pitted
• 50g (1.8 oz) sugar 50g (1.8 oz) sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 15g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Take small portions of the dough and shape them into round balls, then flatten slightly to form a donut shape.
4. 4.
   Carefully place the Papanași in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
5. 5.
   In a separate saucepan, combine the sour cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. 6.
   Serve the Papanași warm, topped with a spoonful of sour cream and a generous drizzle of the sour cherry sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cottage cheese — Make sure to use a well-drained cottage cheese to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
• Sour cherries — If fresh sour cherries are not available, you can use frozen ones. Thaw them before cooking the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough.
• To achieve a crispy exterior, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the Papanași.
• Serve the Papanași immediately after frying for the best texture.

Serving advice

Papanași are best enjoyed warm. Serve them as a delightful dessert after a hearty Romanian meal. The combination of the fluffy donuts, creamy sour cream, and tangy sour cherry sauce is a true delight for the taste buds.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Papanași on a serving platter, placing a dollop of sour cream on top of each donut. Drizzle the sour cherry sauce generously over the Papanași, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.