The Greek Traditional Recipe of Loukoumades

Loukoumades are traditional Greek sweet little honey puffs, the Greek version of donuts some could say. But trust me, this version is an indulgent delight like no other!

The dessert of traditional loukoumades has its roots in deep antiquity, with historic references going back to ancient Greece and Rome. The word loukouma however, is borrowed from Turkish lokma, which means 'mouthful'.

So, if you are in the mood for creating some Greek flavors read the traditional recipe below and enjoy!

Ingredients

For the loukoumades

• 1 cup of lukewarm water (40C)
• 1 cup of lukewarm milk
• 15g active dry yeast (0.5 oz.)
• 3 and 1/4 of a cup flour
• 2 tbsps sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 tbsps olive oil
• oil for frying

For the garnish

• 1 1/2 cup honey
• cinnamon powder
• chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. To prepare this traditional loukoumades recipe, start by making the dough. In the mixers bowl add the water and yeast. Stir with a fork and wait for 5 minutes, until the yeast dissolves completely. Into the same bowl, add the rest of the ingredients for the dough and whisk at high speed (for about 2 minutes) until the mixture becomes a smooth batter. Cover the bowl with some plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm place for at least 1 hour to rise.
2. Into a medium sized frying pan pour enough vegetable oil to deep fry the loukoumades. Heat the oil to high heat until it begins to bubble. Test if the oil is hot enough by dipping in some of the dough for the loukoumades. If it sizzles the oil is ready.
3. Dip a tablespoon in some water and spoon out some of the dough into the hot oil. Repeat this procedure until the surface off the pan is comfortably filled. You should dip the spoon in the water every time, so that the batter doesn’t stick on it.
4. While the loukoumades are fried, use a slotted spoon to push them into the oil and turn them on all sides, until golden brown. Place the loukoumades on some kitchen paper to drain. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
5. When done, place the loukoumades on a large platter, drizzle with the heated honey and sprinkle with cinnamon and chopped walnuts.

Special Tips

The perfect traditional loukoumades are crispy and golden on the outside and fluffy and airy in the inside. To achieve the perfect texture for your loukoumades give the dough time to rise and it will reward you with its distinctive fluffiness. The key to preparing this dessert successfully is to use the right temperature. Always dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water and let the dough to rise in warm environment.

Hopefully you have succeeded in creating some indulging yummy loukoumades! However, if you want to taste the real thing, don’t forget to try it on your next trip to Greece!