Description
Loukoumades are traditional Greek honey doughnuts, crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, drizzled with sweet honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon and crushed nuts. They are a perfect dessert or snack, often enjoyed during festivals or celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dry active yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup honey
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)
- Chopped walnuts or pistachios (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water and let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add olive oil, salt, and flour, stirring to form a dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Make the syrup:
In a saucepan, combine honey, water, sugar, and cinnamon stick (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. - Fry the dough:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C). Wet hands and take small spoonfuls of dough, dropping them gently into the oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. - Assemble the Loukoumades:
While warm, place Loukoumades in a large bowl and pour honey syrup over them, coating well. Sprinkle with cinnamon and garnish with chopped walnuts or pistachios if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the honey syrup with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- To make the doughnuts extra crispy, fry them in small batches to prevent overcrowding the pan.
- For added flavor, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the Loukoumades before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 pieces
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg