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Nourish Across Borders

Romanian Cottage Cheese Doughnuts – Papanasi

A delightful snack to enjoy with family & friends! Makes 8 servings.

Papanasi is a beloved treat in many Eastern European homes, celebrated for its tender dough, comforting sweetness, and the joy of sharing it fresh and warm. Traditionally made with simple, accessible ingredients like cottage cheese and flour, these doughnut-style pastries embody the spirit of family gatherings and everyday hospitality. The combination of a soft, lightly sweet dough with cool sour cream and vibrant blueberry jam creates a balance of flavors and textures that has made papanasi a long-standing favorite across generations.

From a nutritional standpoint, this recipe offers more substance than a typical dessert. Cottage cheese and eggs provide protein and calcium, giving the dough a pleasantly fluffy structure while adding satiety. Almond flour—if used—offers healthy fats and vitamin E, and sour cream contributes additional calcium and, depending on the brand you use, probiotics. While still an indulgence, papanasi delivers a more balanced nutrient profile than many fried treats, making it a satisfying option for celebratory moments enjoyed with loved ones.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 pound cottage cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup gluten-free all purpose flour
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2/3 cup maple syrup

Frying

  • 2 cups oil

Topping

  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1 cup blueberry jam

Instructions

  1. Mix all of the dough ingredients together.
    • Note: In Turkey (and Eastern Europe!) the cottage cheese does not contain liquid like it does in the States. I recommend adding an additional 1/2 cup of flour if you are using a cottage cheese that contains liquid.
  2. Form the doughnuts into 8 balls. Refrigerate them for 20 minutes.
  3. Use 3/4 of the dough from each ball to form into a ring shape, and the remaining 1/4 of the dough for doughnut holes.
  4. Over medium-high heat, fry the doughnuts for 2 minutes on each side & place on a paper towel lined plate for the grease to drain.
  5. Top with some sour cream & jam, and enjoy while warm!