Fluffy fried doughnuts made from sweet cheese dough, stacked with sour cream and smothered in wild berry jam.
Nutrition & Info
Allergen Warnings
Equipment Needed
Presentation Guide
Vessel: dessert plate
Garnishes: sour cream, berry jam, mint leaf
Instructions
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1
Mix drained cheese with eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and salt until smooth.
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2
Fold in flour and baking powder gently — do not overmix. Dough should be soft but shapeable.
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3
With floured hands, form doughnuts with a hole in the center (like a small bagel) and small balls for topping.
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4
Fry in oil at 170°C (340°F) for 3-4 min per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
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5
Stack: place a doughnut on the plate, add a generous dollop of sour cream, top with a small ball.
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6
Drizzle generously with berry jam and extra sour cream. Serve immediately.
Did You Know?
Papanași are always served in a stack — the large doughnut on the bottom, sour cream in the middle, and the small ball as a "hat" on top.
Chef's Notes
Equipment Tips
- deep fryer or heavy pot
- mixing bowl
- slotted spoon
Garnishing
sour cream, berry jam, mint leaf
The Story Behind Papanași
Papanași are Romania's most beloved dessert, found on virtually every restaurant menu in the country. The combination of fresh cheese, sour cream, and fruit preserves reflects Romania's pastoral heritage. While the fried version is most popular, baked and boiled variants exist in different regions.
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