Greek Loukoumades Recipe; Sweet, Golden, and Irresistible

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In Greece, loukoumades are commonly known as a type of fried dough that is coated in honey and cinnamon. This delicious treat is often served at festivals and celebrations. While the origins of loukoumades are unknown, this recipe has been passed down for generations. This dessert is easy to make and only require a few ingredients. It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering! Stay with Cooking County with the traditional Greek Loukoumades Recipe!

History of Loukoumades

Though their exact origins are unknown, it is thought that loukoumades have been around since ancient Greece. The word “loukoumas” appears in Homer’s Iliad, referring to a small cake soaked in honey. It is believed that this dessert served to athletes at the first Olympic Games in 776 BC.

The modern version of the loukoumades dates back to Byzantium, where it was known as the “food of kings.” In Greece today, loukoumades are often served at weddings and other special occasions. They are also popular street food.

How to Make Loukoumades?

Ingredients

1 tablespoon yeast
1 cup hot water
½ cup warm milk
¼ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
⅓ cup butter
3 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup honey
½ cup water
4 cups liquid oil
ground cinnamon

Directions

Step One

To prepare Greek Loukoumades Recipe, first put the yeast in warm water and allow it to soften well for five minutes. During this time, a creamy foam is formed on it. Pour milk, sugar and salt into a large bowl and stir until they dissolve. Pour the yeast into the milk mixing bowl and mix well.

Step Two

In order to obtain the soft and delicate dough of this dish, mix the butter, eggs and flour with a mixer. To double the size of the dough, cover it with cellophane and let it rest for 30 minutes. Remember that for the dough to rise better, stir it again and give it another 30 minutes.

Step Three

To prepare Loukoumades syrup, pour honey with half a cup of water into a pot and put it on medium heat until it reaches the boiling point. After the syrup reaches the desired concentration, turn off the heat and wait until the honey syrup cools down.

Step Four

Pour the oil into a deep fryer or a large pot and wait until it becomes hot enough. Make sure that the depth of the oil is about two inches to cover all the balls.

Step Five

Prepare two soup spoons and a glass of water near the pan to fry loukoumades. Take two tablespoons of dough with a wet spoon and put it in your hand. Place it back in the spoon until it takes a round shape. Place the prepared balls in the oil and fry them.

Note 1: Be careful not to set the flame too high for a fluffy and soft dough.

Note 2: Be sure to wet your spoon to prepare each dough ball.

Step Six

Fry the prepared balls in hot oil until brown. To fry completely, rotate both sides in oil for two to three minutes. Remove the fried Loukoumades from the heat and place them on a clean napkin or net to remove excess oil.

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Step Seven

At the end of the work, put the fried balls on the oven tray and pour cooled honey syrup onto them. You can also use cinnamon, sesame, and walnut pieces to decorate.

How to Serve Loukoumades?

Your delicious Greek dessert is ready to serve; enjoy! Do not forget to make this recipe and share it with us. If you also have any related questions about the Loukoumades recipe, please do not hesitate to ask.

If you enjoyed this recipe, try another recipe that is similar but it is from Kazakhstan: The Kazakh Baursak recipe (Kazakh donut)

Tips for Making Loukoumades Dessert

The most important tip for making this dessert is to make sure the dough is well-risen before frying it. This will result in light and fluffy loukoumades that are absolutely delicious.
If the flour hardens, add milk little by little. Do this carefully and patiently so that your dough does not suddenly loosen.
The hot water temperature for yeast should be at most 40 degrees Celsius.
The oil temperature for frying the balls should be around 175 degrees Celsius, So wait patiently for the oil to heat up. If the oil is too hot, the outside of the loukoumades will be burnt while the inside remains raw.
Since the Loukoumades dessert dough is loose and sticky, you should not add more flour.
You can also use a cinnamon stick or cinnamon to make syrup; be careful not to make it bitter by boiling too much.
Use a deep fryer or saucepan filled with oil to fry the dough balls until they are golden brown.
The dough should be light and airy, so use a mixer to beat the eggs until they are frothy before adding the flour.
Drain the loukoumades on paper towels before drizzling them with honey or dusting them with powdered sugar.
Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before frying so that it doesn’t stick to the pan.

Recipe Variations

Add a small piece of chocolate or a spoonful of Nutella in the center of each dough ball before frying.
Use fruit preserves, such as apricot or strawberry jam, as a filling for a fruity twist.
Add spices like cardamom or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor.
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
Roll the hot loukoumades in a mixture of finely chopped nuts (like walnuts or pistachios) after dipping in syrup.
Experiment with different toppings, such as powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

FAQs about Greek Loukoumades Recipe

What are Loukoumades?

Loukoumades are traditional Greek fried dough balls that are soaked in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. They are often served at weddings and other celebrations.

How long does it take to make Loukoumades?

It takes about 2 hours to get ready. This includes the time it takes to make the dough, fry the dough, and fill the dough with the filling.

What are the Loukoumades ingredients?

Loukoumades consist of fried dough dipped in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. The dough is made from flour, water, yeast, and olive oil. The dough is allowed to rise for several hours before it is fried in hot oil. The combination of fried dough, sweet honey, and fragrant cinnamon are sure to please everyone.