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5.0 from 3 votes

Loukoumádes

Loukoumádes are Greek donuts topped with honey that are also popular in the Arab Gulf states, and in the countries of the Levant.

Prep Time
1 hr
Cook Time
mins
Resting Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
Servings: 20 Loukoumádes
Calories: 144 kcal
Course: Dessert , Breakfast , Snacks
Cuisine: Greek , Middle Eastern

Ingredients

For the dough
  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour , sifted
  • 1 cup lukewarm water (at 97°F / 36°C)
  • 1 tablespoon caster sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried yeast
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • vegetable oil (for frying)
For the syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 2⅓ cups sugar
  • 1 lemon , zest and juice
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 6 tablespoons honey
To decorate
  • ground cinnamon
  • white sesame seeds (optional)
Equipment
  • food processor
  • Deep saucepan
  • Skimmer spoon
  • Colander

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. First, prepare the syrup because it will have to be cold to coat the hot loukoumádes.
Syrup
  1. Place the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, lemon zest, and lemon juice into a non-stick saucepan over a high heat, and bring to a boil.
  2. Lower the heat, and simmer the syrup for 15 minutes.
  3. Two minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the honey.
  4. Set aside to cool completely.
Dough
  1. In the bowl of a food processor, mix together the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
  2. While starting to knead at low speed, add the water slowly. Add the vinegar, and continue to knead.
  3. Finally, add the salt and knead for 5 minutes at medium speed.
  4. Cover the bowl with a cloth, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 45 minutes.
Frying
  1. Heat a large oil bath in a deep pan, to a temperature of 335°F (170°C).
  2. Punch down the dough to release the air, then using a teaspoon dipped in oil, take a little dough, form into a ball, and immerse it in the deep fryer.
  3. Fry the donuts for a few minutes, stirring constantly with a skimmer or spoon, until they are golden brown. Be sure to keep the oil temperature at 335°F (170°C).
  4. Using a skimmer spoon, remove the donuts, and drain on paper towels.
Syrup Coating
  1. Immediately immerse the still-hot loukoumádes in the cold syrup. Allow to absorb the syrup, then drain in a colander if necessary.
  2. Before serving, sprinkle with cinnamon and white sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Hand shaping technique:With the palm of one hand, take a quantity of dough, and squeeze your fist so that the dough comes out at the level of your thumb, then, using an oiled spoon, cut the desired quantity of dough and immerse it in the hot oil.