How to Make Loukoumades (Greek Donuts)

If you've ever visited Greece, chances are you've encountered loukoumades. They're delightful little doughnut balls that are crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and drenched in a sweet honey syrup. These golden treats have a rich history that date back to ancient Greece, where they were sometimes given as rewards to victorious athletes. Traditionally they're served warm, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or chopped nuts.

Loukoumades is pretty easy to make at home. Whether you're hosting friends or treating yourself, loukoumades are guaranteed to impress!

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Doughnuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Syrup:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar

For Topping:

• Ground cinnamon
• Chopped walnuts or pistachios (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water, stirring until the mixture forms a smooth batter. The dough should be sticky and slightly thick.
• Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size and appears bubbly.

2. Prepare the Honey Syrup:

• While the dough rises, prepare the honey syrup. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, water, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Fry the Doughnuts:

• In a deep pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (180°C).
• Using a wet spoon (to prevent sticking), scoop a small portion of the dough and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Fry a few dough balls at a time, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides (about 2-3 minutes).
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the loukoumades from the oil, and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

4. Coat with Honey and Serve:

• Place the warm loukoumades on a serving platter, drizzle generously with the honey syrup, and sprinkle with cinnamon. For an extra crunch, add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pistachios on top.

5. Enjoy!

• Loukoumades are best enjoyed fresh and warm, so serve immediately and dig in!

Tips for Perfect Loukoumades

• Keep it Warm: Make sure your water is warm (but not too hot) to help activate the yeast for a better rise.
• Stay Crispy: Frying at the right temperature is key! If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will brown too quickly on the outside and stay raw inside. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Experiment with Toppings: While honey and cinnamon are traditional, you can experiment with different toppings like powdered sugar, chocolate drizzle, or even a touch of lemon zest for a citrusy twist!

Contributed by Ray Ibanez, E-Commerce Manager for Plume Ridge Bottle Shop.