Papanasi with Sour Cream and Jam – from Romanian Cuisine

Papanasi donuts, straight out of Romanian cuisine. These are most delicious served with sour cream and good homemade jam.

by Krutit
written by Krutit
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Papanasi with Sour Cream and Good Jam. Photo: Tal Sivan-Ziporin

This is the moment to pull out that jar of homemade jam you’ve been saving in the refrigerator.

Pair it with cool sour cream and these papanasi, impossibly soft soufganiyah-like doughnuts, and you’ll understand why this Romanian favorite has endured for generations.

The tang of the sour cream softens the richness of the fried dough, while the jam brings sweetness and fruitiness to every bite. It’s simple, comforting, and exactly the kind of dessert that disappears faster than you’d expect.

Papanasi with Sour Cream and Good Jam

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Serves: 12-14 small papanasi Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

  • 18 ounces (500 grams) ricotta or farmer's cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 packets vanilla sugar (if vanilla sugar is not available you can substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla extract plus 2 tablespoons sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • Finely grated zest of ½ lemon
  • 1 cup (120 grams) self-rising flour
  • 3 tablespoons fine semolina flour (optional)

Instructions

- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta, eggs, vanilla sugar, melted butter, and lemon zest until combined.
- Add the flour and semolina, if using. Mix until the flour is just incorporated. The dough will be sticky and somewhat uneven. That's perfectly fine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Pour about 2 inches of neutral oil into a heavy pot and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly oil your hands and shape the dough into balls about the size of a golf ball. Carefully lower them into the hot oil.
- Fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve warm with a generous spoonful of sour cream and your favorite jam.

Papanasi with Sour Cream and Good Jam

Papanasi with Sour Cream and Good Jam. Photo: Tal Sivan-Ziporin

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