Lokmades (loukoumades) are tasty balls of dough which are one of the favourite Greek Cypriot desserts. They can be eaten at any time of the year, but especially during festivals.
The traditional way of making them is as follows:
- Scoop up a handful of batter into your clenched fist.
- Squeeze a walnut size amount through the gap between your first finger and thumb.
- With a small spoon scoop up the batter.
- This is then placed into a pan of very hot oil.
- Cook for a few minutes until golden, then cover with syrup and enjoy.
Loukoumades Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups plain flour
- 1/4 oz packet of easy-blend dried yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon of rose water
- 1-1/2 cups lukewarm water
- Grated zest of 1 orange 2 tablespoons honey
- sunflower oil
Syrup
2 cups sugar, 2 cups of water and 1 stick of cinnamon.
METHOD
You will need a bowl or food processor (use the dough hook) and a saucepan of hot oil or a deep fryer.
Remember not to add the hot syrup to hot honey balls. The syrup must be made before you cook the dough balls so it is cool when added.
- Mix the flour, dried yeast, zest of an orange and salt into a bowl (or food processor)
- Add the rosewater and lukewarm water gradually until you have a thick batter mixture
- Cover with a clean tea towel and leave in a warm place for about an hour or until risen with bubbles
- Now you can prepare the syrup as it must be cool when covering the honey balls
- Put the sugar, water and cinnamon stick into a saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes
- Divide into balls using traditional method or scoop up walnut size amounts using a teaspoon and drop into a deep fat fryer or saucepan of boiling sunflower oil for a few minutes until golden
- Drain onto paper towels, then place on a plate and cover with syrup then add honey, crushed walnuts and sesame seeds if desired.
