Savory Romanian Cheese Donuts

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon (15g) sugar 1 tablespoon (15g) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1 cup (200g) cottage cheese 1 cup (200g) cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley and dill) 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley and dill)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   In the meantime, prepare the cheese filling. In a bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. 5.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it slightly. Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each dough round, then fold the edges over to seal the filling inside. Pinch the edges to secure.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to a temperature of 180°C (350°F). Fry the Sfințișori in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
7. 7.
   Serve the savory Sfințișori warm as an appetizer or snack.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cottage cheese — Make sure to use a creamy cottage cheese for the filling to achieve the desired texture.
• Fresh herbs — Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as chives or basil to customize the flavor of the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the Sfințișori before serving.
• Serve the savory Sfințișori with a side of marinara sauce or sour cream for dipping.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese filling.
• These Sfințișori can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for the filling, such as feta or mozzarella, to create unique flavor variations.

Serving advice

Serve the savory Sfințișori warm as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Sfințișori on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation. Serve them alongside a small bowl of dipping sauce to enhance the visual appeal.