Loukoumades (Greek Honey Doughnut Puffs)
Local name: Λουκουμάδες
In short: Crisp, airy yeast-batter puffs fried until golden, soaked in warm honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon and walnuts. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 425 kcal
Loukoumades are small puffs of soft yeast batter fried until crisp, then soaked in warm honey syrup and dusted with cinnamon and chopped walnuts. They are sold at street stalls and cafes all over Greece and are eaten hot, straight from the pan. The batter is wet and sticky, which is what makes them hollow and light inside. Serve them the moment they are glazed.
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add the water and olive oil and beat with a wooden spoon for 3 minutes into a thick, sticky, stretchy batter. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled and bubbly.
- Make the syrup. Simmer the honey, water and cinnamon stick for 5 minutes, then add the lemon juice. Keep warm.
- Heat the sunflower oil in a deep pot to 180°C (350°F), with at least 6 cm (2 1/2 inches) of oil.
- Stir the batter down. Scoop a rounded spoonful with a wet spoon and push it into the oil with a second wet spoon. Fry 6 to 8 puffs at a time for 3 to 4 minutes, turning, until deep golden and puffed.
- Lift the puffs out with a slotted spoon and drain for 30 seconds on paper towels. Toss them in the warm syrup.
- Pile on a plate and sprinkle with the walnuts and ground cinnamon. Serve at once.
Tips
- Dip the spoons in water or oil between scoops so the sticky batter slides off. Keep the oil at 180°C (350°F). Cooler oil makes them greasy, and hotter oil leaves the centers raw.
- The batter keeps overnight in the fridge. For a variation, add a spoonful of toasted sesame seeds along with the walnuts.
Questions and answers
Why are my loukoumades dense?
The batter was too stiff or did not rise enough, or the oil was too cool. Let it double and turn bubbly, and fry at 180°C (350°F).
Can I make loukoumades ahead?
The batter keeps overnight in the fridge. Fried puffs are best within an hour. Reheat briefly in a 200°C (400°F) oven and add the syrup just before serving.
How are loukoumades different from doughnuts?
They are small round puffs made from a very soft, wet yeast batter. They are fried and then soaked in honey syrup, so they are crisp outside and light inside.
How long does it take to make Loukoumades (Greek Honey Doughnut Puffs)?
About 50 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Loukoumades (Greek Honey Doughnut Puffs)?
About 425 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 62 g of carbohydrates and 17 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 425 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 62 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 30 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
