Greek Loukoumades

An easy recipe made with only 3 ingredients.

Loukoumades are small, deep-fried dough balls soaked in honey syrup and often sprinkled with cinnamon and crushed walnuts.

A traditional Greek sweet treat

Their crispy exterior, soft interior, and sweet honey syrup make them a delightful dessert or snack.

Not including water and the frying oil (which is basic), this recipe calls for only 3 or 4 ingredients: Flour, Yeast, Honey, and then nuts or sesame seeds (which is optional). Let’s get to the recipe for a better explanation…

Place of origin: Türkiye, Greece, Egypt, Cyprus

An Easy Traditional Greek Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups warm water
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Vegetable oil for frying
Honey for drizzling

Optional toppings:

Ground cinnamon and crushed walnuts

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy.
Gradually add the flour to the yeast mixture, stirring well until a smooth batter is formed. The batter should be thick and sticky. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
In a deep pot or frying pan, heat vegetable oil to a medium-high temperature (around 350°F or 180°C).

Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil, shaping them into small round balls. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the dough balls in batches for a few minutes, turning them occasionally, until they turn golden brown.
Using a slotted spoon or a spider skimmer, remove the fried loukoumades from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a separate shallow dish or pan, warm the honey until it becomes runny.
Place the fried loukoumades in a serving dish and drizzle them generously with the warm honey. Optionally, sprinkle ground cinnamon and crushed walnuts over the top.
Serve the loukoumades while still warm and enjoy them as a sweet and indulgent treat.

So there you have it, folks! Loukoumades, the irresistible Greek sweet treat that never fails to put a smile on your face. Whether you’re savoring the classic version drenched in honey or indulging in a regional twist, these golden bites of happiness are a true delight. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor in every heavenly bite! While traveling in Greece, you may experience that some regions make their Loukoumades differently…

Regional Variations:

Some regions may add additional flavors or ingredients to the dough or have variations in the honey syrup or toppings used.

Like in Crete, where Loukoumades are called “Lokma” or “Lokmades.” Sometimes they can be smaller in size and may contain additional ingredients such as orange zest or cinnamon in the dough for added flavor. After frying, they can be soaked in honey syrup infused with local herbs like thyme or sage, giving them a unique taste.

Another idea when making it at home is to add chocolate syrup instead of honey. Then sprinkle with your favorite type of nuts.

No matter how you serve it, it is a low-cost, budget-friendly dessert that anyone can make at home.

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