Loukoumas (Greek Donuts with Honey)
Photo: Flickr.com user "avlxyz", CC BY-SA 2.0
Loukoumades are yeasted batter fritters fried until puffed and golden, then soaked in honey. The Greek poet Callimachus called them honey tokens in the 3rd century B.C., and tradition says they were given to winners at the ancient Olympics. The batter is just flour, yeast, salt and water, left to bubble for a couple of hours. Thyme honey suits them best, and walnuts, cinnamon and sesame add crunch.
Instructions
Stir the yeast into ½ cup of the warm water and set it aside.
Mix the flour and salt together in a deep bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and the remaining 1 cup of warm water, and stir until you have a smooth, thin batter with no dry pockets of flour.
Cover the bowl and leave it in a shaded spot for 1½ to 2 hours. The batter is ready when it has risen and bubbles show beneath the surface.
Pour several inches of oil into a deep frying pan and heat it. Drop in the batter by large spoonfuls, working in small batches so the pan is not crowded.
Turn the fritters as they puff up and fry them for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown on every side.
Lift them out with a strainer or ladle and drain them on paper towels. Keep them warm until all the batter is fried.
Drizzle the warm fritters with honey, then sprinkle with cinnamon, crushed walnuts, sesame seeds, or any combination you like.
Make it personal.
Custom engraved cutting boards, utensils, and kitchen accessories. Great gifts for anyone who cooks.
Shop Custom Chef →Affiliate link · PicksByRecipe may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
