The LOUKOUMADES, golden, light and irresistibly fragrant, are one of the oldest and most iconic sweets of the Greek tradition. Small fritters made from leavened dough, without eggs or milk, are fried until they become puffed and crisp on the outside while remaining soft and airy inside. Served strictly hot, they are wrapped in a veil of thyme honey, which enhances their delicate flavor, and finished with a dusting of cinnamon and chopped nuts.
Known since ancient Greece and a symbol of celebration and sharing, loukoumades take center stage at popular festivities and Carnival, often enjoyed straight from the pan, when the contrast between the golden crust and the sweetness of the honey is at its peak.
A dessert simple in ingredients but extraordinary in flavor, able to tell the convivial soul of Greek cuisine.
You may also like:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Rest time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 6 Servings
- Cooking methods: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
- Seasonality: Carnival
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups 00 flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (warm)
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- thyme honey (or wildflower honey)
- ground cinnamon
- walnuts
What you’ll need for the Loukoumades
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Pot
- 1 Whisk
- 2 Teaspoons
- 1 Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- 1 Plastic wrap
Loukoumades Preparation
Slightly warm the water and dissolve the yeast and sugar in it.
Add the sifted flour and mix with a whisk until you obtain a smooth, soft batter.
Add the tablespoon of oil, a pinch of salt and mix again.
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a switched-off oven with the light on for 1–1½ hours, until it doubles and forms bubbles on the surface.
Once the dough has risen, detach it from the bowl sides. Heat the oil until it reaches 320°F.
Dip two teaspoons in the oil so the batter won’t stick, and form the balls. Fry a few at a time.
When one side turns golden, turn them so they brown evenly on both sides.
Drain them on paper towels and let them dry.
Once the loukoumades are drained, transfer them to a large plate.
Warm the honey in the microwave for about 30 seconds (or you can warm it in a small saucepan) until it becomes easily pourable.Pour the desired amount over the balls and finish with chopped walnuts and cinnamon.
Drizzle honey only over the balls you intend to eat. They are much harder to reheat if covered in honey.
Can Loukoumades be reheated?
The best option, as with any fried food, is to enjoy them immediately. However, you can reheat them (without honey on top).
Preheat the oven to 446°F, arrange the loukoumades on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and put them in the oven.
Leave them in the oven for a few minutes, just long enough to warm them. Do not leave them too long, otherwise they will burn!
