Loukoumades: The finest Cypriot donuts recipe

Let us introduce to you the Loukoumades!

Greek/Cypriot donuts known as loukoumades are commonly made in Cyprus and Greece. They are fried dough balls that have a crispy outside with a light, fluffy filling, topped with honey. They are essentially one of the tastiest sweets you would ever come across!

Why do people in Cyprus make loukoumades on Epiphany Day?

The kallikantzaroi (goblins) are thought to live underground and emerge every year to afflict Christians during the festive days. Hence, people customarily make loukoumades and throw them on the roofs of their homes, in order for the Kalikatzaroi to eat them and leave.

With this being stated, tomorrow is the perfect day to try out this delicious sweet treat. We guarantee you will be thrilled!

Ingredients

• Milk: The best milk to use is whole milk, or milk with at least 2% fat. You can substitute with any other kind of milk you wish such as almond or dairy-free option.
• Dry Active Yeast
• Water: In room temperature
• Oil for Frying: vegetable oil is preferred. Sunflower oil can also be used.

Instructions

• Rise the Yeast: Milk should be heated in the microwave until it reaches a temperature of between 40-45°C. Then, add 1 tsp of sugar to the milk, and after add the yeast. For the yeast to rise and the top to puff up, give it about 10 minutes to sit in a warm, dark environment.
• Make the Dough: Combine the flour, 2 tbsp of sugar, olive oil, lukewarm water, and the rising milk/yeast combination in a separate, big basin. It should be whisked for a few minutes to make a smooth batter. Put the dough in a glass bowl that has been coated with nonstick cooking spray. The dough has to rise and double in size for about an hour, so cover the bowl with a dish towel and place it in a warm, dark setting.
• Fry the Dough: After an hour, add about an inch of oil to a skillet. Heat the oil to a temperature of 145°C while turning the heat to medium. Create dough scoops in the shape of balls using an ice cream scoop. To prevent the dough from sticking to the scoop, spray it with nonstick spray or dip it in water between each dough ball. Several donuts at a time, fry the batter in the oil. Turn them over once one side has gotten golden brown to ensure that both sides have browned equally.
• Add toppings: When the donuts are finished, take them from the oil with a spoon and set them on a platter covered in paper towels. This will get rid of any extra oil. Move the loukoumades to a big dish after they have finished draining. Place the honey in the microwave for about 30sec or in a saucepan and heat it up. Pour the desired quantity over the loukoumades. To make these wonderful Greek/Cypriot doughnuts (loukoumades) extra special for chocolate lovers, sprinkle them with a rich chocolate sauce.

Et voilà! Try out this traditional recipe of loukoumades and indulge!