Name: Romanian Cheesy Donuts: A Delicious & Authentic Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 135 min
Yield: 15-20 donuts
Ingredients: 500g (about 4 cups) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting; 250ml (about 1 cup) lukewarm milk; 7g (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 50g (about 1/4 cup) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 60g (about 1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1 teaspoon salt; 300g (about 1 1/4 cups) Romanian Telemea cheese (or Feta cheese as a substitute), crumbled; 100g (about 1/2 cup) Romanian Urda cheese (or Ricotta cheese as a substitute), drained; 2 large eggs; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, depending on the saltiness of the cheese); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional, but highly recommended!); Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4-6 cups, depending on your pot size); Sour cream or plain yogurt, for serving; Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish

Romanian cheesy donuts, or "gogosi cu branza" as they're affectionately known in Romania, are more than just a sweet treat; they're a warm, comforting hug in fried dough form. Imagine biting into a golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, pillowy interior bursting with a savory-sweet cheese filling. Intrigued? I certainly hope so, because this recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence!

These delightful donuts have a rich history, deeply rooted in Romanian culinary traditions. Passed down through generations, each family boasts its own unique twist on the recipe, making them a staple at celebrations, holidays, and even just a cozy Sunday afternoon. The combination of simple ingredients – flour, cheese, eggs, and a touch of sugar – transforms into something truly magical when fried to perfection.

What makes Romanian cheesy donuts so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The slight tang of the cheese complements the subtle sweetness of the dough, creating a symphony of taste that dances on your palate. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make! Forget complicated baking techniques; this recipe is straightforward and satisfying, perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike. Whether you're craving a comforting snack or looking to impress your friends with a unique dessert, these cheesy donuts are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let's get cooking and bring a little taste of Romania into your kitchen!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

500g (about 4 cups) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
250ml (about 1 cup) lukewarm milk
7g (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
50g (about 1/4 cup) granulated sugar
1 large egg
60g (about 1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

300g (about 1 1/4 cups) Romanian Telemea cheese (or Feta cheese as a substitute), crumbled
100g (about 1/2 cup) Romanian Urda cheese (or Ricotta cheese as a substitute), drained
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, depending on the saltiness of the cheese)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional, but highly recommended!)

For Frying:

Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4-6 cups, depending on your pot size)

For Topping (Optional):

Sour cream or plain yogurt, for serving
Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This step is crucial to ensure your yeast is alive and active, which will help the dough rise properly. If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be old, and you'll need to start with fresh yeast.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), whisk together the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Make sure the butter isn't too hot, or it could cook the egg.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed with a dough hook attachment (or by hand) until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: If using a stand mixer, knead the dough on medium speed for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-12 minutes, or until it's smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but not unmanageable. If it's too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The warmer the environment, the faster the dough will rise. You can place it in a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) or near a sunny window.

Preparing the Cheese Filling:

Combine the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled Telemea cheese (or Feta), drained Urda cheese (or Ricotta), eggs, black pepper, salt, and chopped dill (if using).
Mix Well: Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that Telemea and Feta can be quite salty, so you might not need much additional salt.
Set Aside: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside while the dough is rising. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Assembling and Frying the Donuts:

Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air.
Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Cut Out Circles: Use a round cookie cutter (about 3-4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. You can also use a glass or a jar lid.
Fill the Donuts: Place a spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the cheese filling in the center of each dough circle.
Seal the Donuts: Gently fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal, making sure there are no gaps. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a tight seal. This is important to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
Second Rise (Optional): Place the filled donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows them to puff up slightly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier donut. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it!
Heat the Oil: While the donuts are resting (or immediately if you skipped the second rise), heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the donuts. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature; it should be around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside and remain raw on the inside. If it's not hot enough, they'll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Fry the Donuts: Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain the Donuts: Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Repeat: Repeat the frying process with the remaining donuts.

Serving:

Serve Warm: Serve the Romanian cheesy donuts warm, ideally right after frying.
Optional Toppings: You can serve them with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh dill, if desired.
Enjoy!: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion:

Alright, friends, if you've made it this far, you know you're practically obligated to try these Romanian cheesy donuts! Seriously, what's not to love? We're talking about warm, pillowy dough, bursting with savory, melted cheese, and a hint of garlic that just sings to your soul. This isn't just a recipe; it's an experience, a little taste of Romanian comfort food that will have you coming back for more. Why are these a must-try? Because they're incredibly easy to make, using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Forget complicated baking techniques; this recipe is straightforward and forgiving, perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Plus, the flavor combination is simply divine. The saltiness of the cheese, the subtle garlic aroma, and the soft, slightly sweet dough create a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. And let's be honest, who can resist a warm, cheesy donut? But the best part? These Romanian cheesy donuts are incredibly versatile! Serve them as a savory breakfast treat alongside a cup of strong coffee. They make a fantastic appetizer for your next dinner party, guaranteed to impress your guests. Or, enjoy them as a satisfying snack any time of day.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Dip 'em! Try serving these donuts with a side of sour cream, marinara sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick. * Herb it up! Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley, dill, or chives to the dough for a burst of freshness and color. * Spice it up! A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper will add a touch of heat to your cheesy delights. * Cheese, please! Experiment with different types of cheese. Feta, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar would all be delicious variations. * Garlic galore! If you're a garlic lover like me, don't be afraid to add an extra clove or two to the dough. * Sweet and savory! For a truly unique experience, try drizzling a little honey or maple syrup over the warm donuts. The sweet and savory combination is surprisingly addictive. I truly believe that this recipe for Romanian cheesy donuts is a winner. It's simple, delicious, and endlessly adaptable to your own personal preferences. I've made these countless times, and they're always a hit with my family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a cheesy, doughy adventure! I promise you won't regret it. And when you do try this recipe, please, please, please share your experience with me! I'd love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much you enjoyed them. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media, or send me an email. I'm always eager to connect with fellow food lovers and hear about your culinary creations. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the irresistible aroma of warm, cheesy donuts! I can't wait to hear from you!