Loukoumades

Name	Region	Description
Lokma	Turkey, Middle East	Similar fried dough balls, often with sugar syrup instead of honey
Zalabia	Egypt, Levant	Lighter, crispier version with sugar syrup
Sfenj	Morocco	Ring-shaped, chewier doughnuts often served with sugar

Loukoumades for Two

Classic Greek honey-soaked doughnuts, crisp outside, soft inside.

 Servings: 2

Total Time: ~1 hour (10 min prep + 45 min rise + 5 min fry)

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Equipment Needed:

• Medium mixing bowl

• Whisk or wooden spoon

• Measuring cups & spoons

• Small saucepan (for syrup)

• Slotted spoon or spider strainer

• Deep pan or pot for frying

• Small scoop or 2 spoons for shaping dough

• Paper towels or wire rack (for draining)

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Ingredients

 For the Dough:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup lukewarm water

• ¼ tsp active dry yeast

• ¼ tsp sugar

• Pinch of salt

• ¼ tsp olive oil (optional, for elasticity)

 For the Honey Syrup:

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 2 tbsp water

• ¼ tsp lemon juice

• ¼ tsp cinnamon (or more, for sprinkling)

 For Frying:

• Neutral oil (e.g. sunflower or vegetable oil), enough for 2 inches deep

 Optional Garnish:

• Crushed walnuts or pistachios

• Extra cinnamon or sesame seeds

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Preparation

1. Make the Dough

• In a mixing bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water. Let sit for 5–10 min until foamy.

• Add the flour, salt, and a touch of olive oil. Mix into a thick, sticky batter. It should be loose, not a firm dough.

• Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes, until bubbly and doubled in size.

2. Make the Syrup

• In a small saucepan, combine honey, sugar, water, and lemon juice.

• Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

• Set aside and keep warm.

3. Fry the Loukoumades

• Heat oil in a deep pan to 170–180°C (340–355°F).

• Using 2 spoons or a small scoop, drop walnut-sized blobs of dough into the hot oil.

• Fry in batches, turning to cook evenly, until golden brown and puffy (about 3–4 minutes).

• Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or rack.

4. Serve

• While warm, drizzle or dip in honey syrup.

• Sprinkle with cinnamon and nuts if using.

• Serve immediately — they’re best hot and fresh!

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Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)

Estimates vary depending on oil absorption and toppings.

The baked version is also worth exploring!

Baked Loukoumades for Two

Golden puffs of sweet dough baked until soft and slightly crisp, then drenched in warm honey syrup.

 Servings: 2

 Total Time: ~1 hour (10 min prep + 45 min rise + 12–15 min baking)

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Equipment Needed:

• Medium mixing bowl

• Whisk or spoon

• Measuring cups & spoons

• Small saucepan (for syrup)

• Mini muffin tin or silicone mold (optional, but helps shape)

• Pastry brush (optional, for syrup)

• Oven preheated to 190°C (375°F)

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Ingredients

 For the Dough:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup lukewarm water

• ¼ tsp active dry yeast

• ¼ tsp sugar

• Pinch of salt

• ¼ tsp olive oil (optional)

 For the Honey Syrup:

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 2 tbsp water

• ¼ tsp lemon juice

• ¼ tsp cinnamon (plus more for sprinkling)

 Optional Toppings:

• Crushed walnuts or pistachios

• Extra cinnamon

• Sesame seeds

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Preparation

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Mix the yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water in a bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly.

2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir to form a sticky, thick batter.

3. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size and bubbly.

2. Shape and Bake

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).

2. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or use parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Spoon the dough into small mounds (roughly 1 tablespoon each).

4. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown on top and puffed.

3. Make the Syrup

1. Combine honey, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.

2. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until lightly thickened.

3. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon.

4. Finish and Serve

1. While loukoumades are still warm, dip or brush generously with warm syrup.

2. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nuts if desired.

3. Serve immediately!

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Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)

Less oil = fewer calories than traditional fried version, but same rich taste from syrup.