Loukoumades
Components:
Regarding the Dough:
- Two cups of all-purpose flour
- One packet of active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 1/4 cups of heated water, about 45°C or 110°F
- One-fourth teaspoon salt
- One tablespoon of sugar
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- vegetable-based frying oil
For the Syrup of Honey:
- half a cup of honey
- half a cup of water
- half a cup of sugar
- One cinnamon stick
- One teaspoon of lemon juice
Add-ons:
- crushed cinnamon
- chopped pistachios or walnuts (optional)
- Sugar powder (optional)
Guidelines:
1. Get the dough ready:
- Mix the sugar, yeast, and warm water together in a small bowl. Allow it to settle for five to ten minutes, or until bubbling and frothy.
- Mix the flour and salt together in a big bowl. Stir the flour mixture with the olive oil and yeast mixture until a smooth, sticky dough forms.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm location for approximately one hour, or until it has doubled in size, by covering the bowl with plastic wrap or a fresh towel.
2. Prepare the syrup with honey:
- As the dough rises, get the syrup ready. Put the sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and honey in a small pot.
- After bringing the mixture to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer it for five to seven minutes, or until it thickens somewhat. Take off the heat and place aside.
3. Cook Loukoumades in oil:
- Vegetable oil should be heated to 350°F/175°C in a deep pot. Enough oil is required to completely submerge the dough balls.
- Carefully place little dough balls into the heated oil using two spoons or a tiny ice cream scoop, taking care not to pack the pan too full. Fry, stirring occasionally, for 3–4 minutes, or until brown and crisp on all sides.
- After removing the loukoumades with a slotted spoon, set them on paper towels to absorb any leftover oil.
4. Apply syrup:
- After every loukoumade has been cooked, either sprinkle or dip them in the heated honey syrup. Ensure that the syrup coats them well.
5. Present:
- Arrange the loukoumades onto a dish for serving. For an extra crunch, sprinkle with ground cinnamon and, if preferred, top with chopped walnuts or pistachios.
Advice:
- Serving Ideas: Loukoumades are best consumed shortly after they are fried since they are best served warm and fresh. For an additional sweet touch, you can also dust them with powdered sugar.
- Add Flavor: You can add some orange blossom or rose water to the honey syrup to give it a Mediterranean touch.
Savor these crunchy and sweet loukoumades—a wonderful treat for any time of day!