Loukoumades are traditional Greek doughnuts, golden and crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and drenched in a sweet honey syrup. These delightful little treats are often served at festivals and gatherings, dusted with cinnamon and sometimes topped with nuts. They are easy to make and incredibly delicious!
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the honey syrup:
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For frying:
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
For garnish:
- Ground cinnamon
- Chopped walnuts or pistachios (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour and mix until a smooth, sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Make the honey syrup:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Fry the loukoumades:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the dough balls completely.
- Wet your hands to handle the sticky dough, then pinch off small amounts of dough (about the size of a walnut) and drop them carefully into the hot oil. Fry the dough balls in batches, turning them frequently, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried loukoumades to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Coat with honey syrup:
- While the loukoumades are still warm, drizzle them generously with the prepared honey syrup. Toss gently to coat them evenly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle the loukoumades with ground cinnamon and chopped walnuts or pistachios if desired. Serve them immediately, while they’re warm and delicious!
Enjoy these sweet and crispy Loukoumades as a delightful dessert or snack, perfect with a cup of Greek coffee or tea!
