Greek
Loukoumades
Airy fried dough puffs served hot under honey syrup, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts.
8 servings · 30 minutes prep · 20 minutes cook
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water, 105°F to 110°F
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fine semolina
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 cups avocado oil, for frying
Syrup
- 1 cup Greek honey
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Finish
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
Mix and Proof the Batter
- Dissolve the active dry yeast and granulated sugar in the warm water. Let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour, fine semolina, kosher salt, and extra-virgin olive oil until a loose, sticky batter forms.
- Cover and let rise until doubled and bubbly, 75-90 minutes.
Make the Syrup
- Meanwhile, simmer the Greek honey, granulated sugar, water, and cinnamon stick for 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, discard the cinnamon stick, and keep the syrup warm.
Fry, Syrup, and Finish
- Heat the avocado oil to 350F. With an oiled spoon or hand, drop walnut-size portions of batter into the oil without crowding.
- Fry, turning as needed, until puffed and deep golden, 3-4 minutes. Transfer briefly to the wire rack.
- Toss the hot loukoumades in the warm syrup and finish with the cinnamon and walnuts.
