Honey-Dipped Loukoumades
Discover the delightful world of Honey-Dipped Loukoumades, a traditional Greek treat that combines the fluffy goodness of deep-fried dough with the rich flavors of thyme honey and cinnamon. These golden puffs, resembling doughnut holes, are irresistibly sweet and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Served warm and drizzled with a fragrant syrup, they're an excellent dessert or snack option that will transport your taste buds to a sunny Greek locale. Whether enjoyed at a festive gathering or as a comforting indulgence, these delightful puffs are sure to bring joy to any occasion.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (sifted)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dry yeast
1/2 package (none)
lukewarm water
1 cup (none)
oil
for frying (none)
thyme honey
1/2 cup (none)
granulated sugar
3/4 cup (none)
water
1 3/4 cups (none)
lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt until well combined.
2
In a separate small bowl, sprinkle the dry yeast over the lukewarm water and stir until fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to rest for about 5 minutes until frothy.
3
Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour and mix vigorously until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and place it in a warm area. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5
While the dough is rising, heat oil in a deep-fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
6
Once the dough has risen, pinch off small pieces (about the size of a tablespoon) and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides.
7
Remove the fried puffs from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain. Keep them warm as you fry the remaining dough.
8
In a saucepan, combine the thyme honey, sugar, water, lemon juice, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to simmer until syrupy, about 5-7 minutes.
9
Drizzle the warm syrup over the fried loukoumades, then sprinkle them generously with ground cinnamon before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Honey-Dipped Loukoumades?
Honey-Dipped Loukoumades are a traditional Greek treat consisting of fluffy deep-fried dough puffs drizzled with thyme honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough should rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
What is the recommended frying temperature for Loukoumades?
The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying results.
What ingredients are in the honey syrup?
The syrup is made by combining thyme honey, granulated sugar, water, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This Loukoumades recipe yields 8 servings.
What type of flour is used for Loukoumades?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How long should I fry the dough puffs?
Fry the dough pieces for about 3 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides.
Should the Loukoumades be served warm or cold?
They are best served warm and drizzled with fragrant syrup for the best flavor and texture.
What is the secret to getting the yeast ready?
Sprinkle the dry yeast over lukewarm water and let it rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
How long do I need to knead the dough?
You should knead the sticky dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
What kind of honey is recommended for this recipe?
Thyme honey is specifically recommended to provide a rich and traditional Greek flavor.
How much cinnamon should I use?
The recipe suggests using 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to sprinkle over the finished puffs.
What tool should I use to remove Loukoumades from the oil?
A slotted spoon is recommended to remove the puffs and allow excess oil to drain.
How large should the dough pieces be for frying?
Pinch off small pieces of dough, approximately the size of a tablespoon, before dropping them into the oil.
Is salt included in the dough mixture?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is sifted together with the flour.
How long should the syrup simmer?
The syrup should simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
Can I use any type of water for the yeast?
It is important to use lukewarm water to ensure the yeast activates properly without being killed by high heat.
What is the texture of the dough before rising?
The dough will be sticky when first mixed, becoming smooth and elastic after 5 minutes of kneading.
Are Loukoumades considered a snack or a dessert?
They are versatile and can be enjoyed as both a comforting dessert or a sweet snack.
How much sugar is required for the syrup?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of granulated sugar for the honey syrup.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Breads.
Do I need to cover the dough while it rises?
Yes, cover the bowl with a damp cloth to prevent the dough from drying out while it rises.
How much yeast is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 package of dry yeast.
What should I do with the Loukoumades immediately after frying?
Place them on paper towels to drain excess oil and keep them warm while you finish the rest of the batch.
What is the total amount of water used in the whole recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 2 3/4 cups of water: 1 cup for the dough and 1 3/4 cups for the syrup.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
The recipe recommends 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor in the syrup.
What do Loukoumades resemble?
They resemble small, golden-brown doughnut holes.
What provides the golden color to the Loukoumades?
The golden color is achieved through deep-frying the dough until it is crisp on the outside.
Can Loukoumades be served at parties?
Yes, they are an excellent option for festive gatherings and are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
Expect a combination of sweet thyme honey, aromatic cinnamon, and a light, airy fried dough.