Loukoumades (Loukoumathes): Greek Honey Puffs
Loukoumades are golden puffs of fried dough that are bathed in sweet syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon and walnuts.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 40 persons
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 1package (1/4 ounce) dry yeast
- 2cups lukewarm water (divided)
- 3cups all-purpose flour
- ½teaspoon baking powder
- ½teaspoon baking soda
- ½teaspoon sugar
- ½teaspoon salt
- 1teaspoon whiskey or brandy
- For the Syrup:
- 2cups sugar
- 1cinnamon stick
- 1cup water
- ½cup honey
- For Frying:
- 2cups canola or corn oil
- Garnish:
- Ground cinnamon, ground walnuts, and/or confectioner's sugar
Instructions
Step 1
Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup lukewarm water and set aside.Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Mix well to combine.Step 3
Add the dissolved yeast, whiskey, and remaining 1 1/2 cups water to the dry ingredients. Using an electric hand mixer, mix the batter for 3 minutes on medium-high speed making sure that there are no lumps in the batter. Cover the batter with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place for about 2 hours to rise.Step 4
Prepare the syrup while the batter is rising. Put the sugar, cinnamon stick, water, and honey in a saucepan. Boil for 5 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved. Keep warm.Step 5
When the batter is about double in size, heat the oil in a saucepan or deep frying pan until very hot but not smoking.Step 6
Using two spoons, carefully drop about a teaspoon full of batter for each puff into the hot oil. Turn the puffs using a slotted spoon and fry until golden brown on each side. Remove the puffs to a plate lined with paper toweling to absorb excess oil.Step 7
Dip the hot puffs in the syrup and then sprinkle with cinnamon, ground walnuts, or even with confectioner's sugar. Serve immediately.