Loukoumades Recipe (λουκουμάδες)

If you like donuts, you should try this classic Greek dessert. It seems every country has a version of this dish. Here in the US, we have Munchkins from Dunkin' Donuts, the French have begneits, the Brazilians have sonhos, and the Greeks have loukoumades.

I first tried loukoumades at Artopolis Bakery in Chicago's Greek Town and I must admit they are my favorite of all of the donut varietals. They are light and just sweet enough to want another! If you're ever in the Windy City, you should pick up some loukoumades at Artopolis. If not, you can try to make them yourself. It's pretty easy.

Recommended Equipment:
deep fryer
mixer

Ingredients:
Dough:
1 cup warm water
1/2 cup milk
1 package of dry yeast
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 tbsp sugar
1/4 tspn salt
1 tbsp olive oil
oil for frying

Topping:
1/2 cup of honey
1 tab of butter
confection sugar
cinnamon
sesame seeds (optional)
walnuts, ground (optional)

Preparation:

1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
2. Combine the yeast and water mixture with the milk, flour, sugar, salt, and olive oil in a mixing bowl.
   
3. Mix until batter is smooth.
4. Cover bowl with a dish towel and let sit in a warm place for 2 hours.
5. Heat oil for frying.
6. Using a deep spoon (I used a table spoon measure), place spoon first in the hot oil, then scoop a spoonful of the batter into the oil. Do this each time to prevent the batter from sticking to the spoon. The loukoumades should be oval shaped.
7. Add enough of the loukoumades to the fryer to almost cover the surface of the oil.
8. Remove when golden brown.
9. Let dry on a paper towel then put them on a platter.
10. In a separate pan, add the honey and pad of butter. Heat pan on medium-low until honey flows freely.
    
11. Drizzle honey over loukoumades and then sprinkle with confection sugar, and cinnamon. You can also top this with sesame seeds and ground walnuts if you prefer.
    

Greece [ print this recipe ]