Do you know a single person that doesn’t like donuts? I didn’t think so! Whether you like the traditional honey version, or would love to try the chocolate, these Loukoumades – Greek Donuts are for you!

From Lizz: Loukoumades! Some of my earliest memories are of my yiayia Nicoletta making these yummy treats for my brother and me to enjoy. At Greek Festivals, they are a dessert staple and everyone saves room to savor these doughy puffs drenched in a honey syrup. Some like them with crushed walnuts and some without. But one thing is for sure, you will never see any left over!

From Stephanie: Let me just jump in here! When I was in Arcadia last year, my Thea Ellie took me to a small taverna that specialized in Loukoumades. I was pretty excited, being that they’re my favorite Greek dessert! When the waiter came to the table and asked for our order, my Thea asked me “Do you want regular or chocolate?”… I was in shock. Chocolate? Could it be that my favorite dessert just got better?! “Um, chocolate!” I said. And the rest is a delicious, chocolatey blur.

I told my mom that we had to include chocolate in this recipe as well, so that you could all experience the mind-blowing experience that I did. Enjoy!

HOW TO MAKE LOUKOUMADES

In the bowl of a stand mixer, with the dough attachment, add 1 cup lukewarm water and 2 1/2 tbsp of active dry yeast. Whisk together and let stand for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
While waiting, measure out flour, sugar and salt into a separate bowl and mix to incorporate sugar and salt into flour.
Once the yeast has had time to activate, add the lukewarm milk, turn the mixer on to a slow speed 2 to start and slowly begin to add the flour, sugar, salt mixture into the bowl of the stand mixer. Add the extra virgin olive oil and move the speed up to a medium or 4 and continue to mix until you achieve a smooth batter as shown below. Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm place for an hour to rest and rise.
While waiting for the dough to rest and rise, prepare the syrup and chocolate sauce for the Loukoumades. Combine the sugar, water, honey and cinnamon stick into a saucepan and bring to a boil while slowly stirring. Reduce the heat and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes while stirring to ensure the sugar and honey have dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
For the chocolate sauce, simply melt the milk chocolate or semi sweet chocolate chips in a double boiler over medium heat. Be sure to stir to prevent chocolate from burning. Once melted, cover and set aside to keep warm.
Check to see if your dough has risen.
Prepare a pot to fry the loukoumades by adding 2-3 inches vegetable oil and bringing oil to a temperature of 350° F. Have a glass of water near the bowl with the dough so that you can dip the spoon into the water before each dip into the batter. Please note, that I use a tablespoon to make nicely sized balls. Once the dough for the loukoumades is ready, give it a stir with a plastic spatula before you begin the process.
Begin to add a tablespoon full of dough into the hot vegetable oil, dip the spoon in water and then repeat until you have enough loukoumades to comfortably fill the pan and so that you are still able to move them around with a meshed strainer or slotted spoon. (I prefer the meshed strainer.) Stir to turn them so that they cook as evenly as possible and don’t burn.
Remove cooked loukoumades from the oil and place onto a paper towel covered dish to drain.
For half the loukoumades, dunk several at a time into the syrup mixture and stir with a large spoon to cover them with the syrup. Remove from the syrup and put on a serving dish. Sprinkle crushed walnuts on top. Plate half the loukoumades onto another serving dish and pour the chocolate sauce on top. Leave plain or sprinkle crushed walnuts on top.

WHAT ARE OTHER TOPPINGS I COULD PUT ON MY LOUKOUMADES?

Milk chocolate and crushed hazelnuts, drizzled plain honey and sprinkled cinnamon are good options.

Loukoumades Recipe

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