Loukoumades 2.0 (Greek Honey Doughnuts)

Ingredients

• 300 g Strong white bread flour
• 310 ml Lukewarm water
• 7 g Fast-action yeast
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract or vanilla powder (Use either vanilla extract or a sachet of vanilla powder.)
• Vegetable or sunflower oil (For frying; use enough to fill the saucepan to a depth of about 5–6 cm. A little oil is also used to wet the spoons.)
• 120 g Runny honey (For finishing.)
• Ground cinnamon (A sprinkle, to finish.)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sugar and yeast. Stir gently, then leave for 5–10 minutes, until slightly foamy.

2. 2

   Add the flour, salt and vanilla to the bowl. Whisk until smooth and fully combined. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky and elastic, with the consistency of a thick batter.

3. 3

   Cover the bowl and leave the dough in a warm place to proof for 45–60 minutes, or until doubled in size and bubbly on the surface.

4. 4

   After proofing, avoid overmixing the dough so you do not knock out the air needed for fluffy loukoumades.

5. 5

   Pour vegetable or sunflower oil into a medium saucepan to a depth of about 5–6 cm. Heat over medium heat until it reaches approximately 170°C. Without a thermometer, test with a small amount of dough: it should rise to the surface within a few seconds and bubble gently.

6. 6

   Lightly wet two tablespoons with oil to help prevent sticking. Scoop a small amount of dough with one spoon, then use the other spoon (or your finger) to gently push it into the hot oil.

7. 7

   Fry in batches of about 5–6 at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan; the soft dough should hold a rough round shape.

8. 8

   Fry the loukoumades for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until puffed and evenly light golden rather than deep brown.

9. 9

   Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer briefly to kitchen paper.

10. 10

    Transfer the warm loukoumades to a serving bowl. Drizzle generously with the honey and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

The recipe states a total preparation time of 1 hour 15 minutes and yields 20–30 loukoumades. Frying duration is stated as 2–3 minutes per batch; total frying time depends on the number of batches. The amount of frying oil and cinnamon is not specified.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• Greek
• fried
• vegetarian
• contains gluten
• honey
• sweet
• make-ahead proofing