Loukoumades
Jul 17th, 2008 | By Peter Minakis | Category: Dessert, Frying, Greek, Honey, How To, Nuts, Recipe, Snacks, Spices
What’s a birthday party without some dessert?
One of Greece’s best known sweets/ desserts/snacks/street foods has to be Loukoumades. I knew that offering these sweet fritters up for my guests would be memorable.
Every Greek has had them. Loukoumades are the Greeks’ answer to donuts and both are nowhere near in the vicinity of “health food”.
The first time I ate Loukoumades was during my introductory trip to Greece in 1974 at the Tottis cafe located at Thessaloniki’s Aristotelous Square.
Every Greek’s had them, every Greek wants them but not every Greek can make them (or bother to make them).
Loukoumades can be found throughout Greece and although many good Greek home cooks can make them, most settle for simply buying them as a treat during the evening “volta” or walk.
The recipe I have here uses shortening (Crisco) and as I said earlier, much like donuts…Loukoumades aren’t going to win any heart-healthy awards.
Each cuisine has it’s sinful delights and Loukoumades are one of Greece’s sweet pleasures. This recipe was retained from my mother, who used to volunteer at our parish’s Summer Greek Festival.
Greek festivals are held by Greek churches in the diaspora to help fund expansions, courses or for philanthropic aid. Live Greek music, folkloric dance and Greek food were all on offer for parishioners and neighboring non-Greeks.
This recipe was the one used by our parish, St. Nicholas Greek-Orthodox Church here in Toronto. For those of you who have had Loukoumades before will be satisfied in knowing these are just like the ones you may have bought while in Greece.
Loukoumades are a deep fried dough which are then dunked in syrup, followed by a sprinkled of ground walnuts and dusted with ground cinnamon.
They are eaten warm or room temperature and the outside is sticky from the syrup but the delight in eating Loukoumades comes from the crunch one gets from biting into the walnuts, penetrating the fritter and then getting a little burst of the syrup which has penetrated the inside.
Anyone interested in trying Loukoumades?
Loukoumades
For the Dough
5 cups of all-purpose flour
1/4 lb. Crisco shortening (room temp)
1 1/2 cups of orange juice
1 1/2 cups hot water
1/3 cup tepid water
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. active dry yeast
Syrup
1 cup of honey
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of water
Topping
Ground walnuts
Ground cinnamon
- Add the shortening to the flour in a large bowl and mix with your hands until the two ingredients become one. Set aside.
- In a pot, add your orange juice and 1 1/2 cups of hot water and mix together and set aside.
- In another bowl, add the tepid water, sugar and yeast and allow to rise for about 5 minutes.
- When the yeast has risen, add your orange juice/water mixture and then add your wet ingredients to the dry. Mix with your hands until incorporated into a wet dough. Set aside to rise for about two hours.
- Pre-heat your a large pot with vegetable oil (or a deep fryer) and you want the oil to reach approx. 350F. Set up a frying station of your bowl of Loukoumades batter, a glass with water and the fryer.
- Take a handful of dough in your palm and then it out onto a waiting spoon that’s been dunked in water, then drop it in the hot oil until golden brown. Fry off in batches until you’ve fried all your batter.
- Prepare the syrup by adding into a pot the honey, sugar and water and bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Now dunk your Loukoumades into the hot syrup and douse them with syrup a few times before removing to a colander. Repeat until all your Loukoumades are dunked in the syrup.
- Plate your Loukoumades and then sprinkle some ground walnuts and ground cinnamon on top and serve warm.
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© 2008 – 2009, Peter Minakis. All rights reserved. If you are not reading this post in a feed reader or at http://kalofagas.ca then the site you are reading is illegally publishing copyrighted material. Contact me at truenorth67 AT gmail DOT COM. All recipes, text and photographs in this post are the original creations & property of the author.
My sister-in-law’s mother makes these for family birthday parties. They are so delicate and sweet. Heaven!
Tasty, sweet munchies are well deserved after a hard work day, right? They might not be very healthy but they look gorgeous.
Peter I would have been first in line for those. Wow what a party you had.
They look great, Peter. Unlike mine, yours are all shaped very nicely, lol. I wish I had a few right about now!
Peter, I love love love how similar Greek and Middle Eastern foods are to one another! We have this dessert often at my church as well – I love them!!
Peter, they look amazing and I am sure they taste as good as they look! I recently made some loukoumades myself and was waiting to post them nearer to the Olympic Games; though I think it is safe to say we can never have enough loukoumades and I was overjoyed to see your mother’s wonderful recipe and its product! Bravo Chrissanthi!
OMG! Loukoumades are my weakness! I can easily eat a dozen. That was some birthday bash! I must plan a trip to TO next year around your B-day…kernas loukoumades? ;)
Donuts, you said donuts!? Sure I’m interested in trying loukoumades!! I like the fact you sprinkle some ground walnuts and cinnamon to add another dimension to this artery-clogging delight. I take a dozen to go please!
Hi Peter, My birthday is just a couple of months away (hint, hint :-)) These look so good and I bet they smell terrific! The step by step photos are great; and oooh boy, that’s one bubbling pot o’ oil! What a beautiful presentation in that gorgeous glass bowl, too! Yum!
Can you please send me what was left?? Who wouldn’t love fried dough? Truly, these look delicious!
Oh good lord. Reading your blog even after a 20 course meal makes me hungry!
thats why i love coming here peter.;there is always good food and good dessert waiting for me..party fever all the time ..yummy
Thank you Peter, for writing this blog! During a semester in Thessaloniki and a following trip through the country, 4 years ago now, I fell in love with the people, the city and the food. With your stories and recipes you’re bringing me back! I already made the Htipiti and it was perfect. Greece in the Netherlands!
Thank you again!
Elsbeth
I really don’t care how unhealthy these are – I just love this kind of stuff. Love it, love it, love it. So much so, I’m going to bookmark this and make some! (And then eat them all. By myself. No, I have no shame.)
Dragon. who's Greek in your family and where are they from?
Ben, they are so tasty that I've never given much thought to their ingredients.
Helene, it's a good thing because the lineup is getting long.
Elly, now you have another recipe to source from the next time you make a batch!
Antonio, wonderful to hear and it just confirms we share similar good taste!
Sam, I don't think I can tire of Loukoumades and Greeks & non Greeks alike luv'em!
Anna, you come to TO and kernao…we do the city Kalofagas stylz!
Zen, I'm sure one could eat a dozen and NOT share…oh well!
Paula, when I show something new like these, the step by step helps alot.
Bridgett, none left. ;(
LOL @Julie…only visit with a full tummy!
Dhanngit, thank you 'hun…who doesn't like parties?
Elsbeth, welcome and thanks for the feddback on the Htipiti…glad it reminded you of the dips you had in Thessaloniki.
Forkful, I want to see a photo of you gorfing these down…thanks for the kind words!
You know loukoumades are my favourites, I can eat dozen of them!!!!
Perfect shape Peter, I am sure the taste is also perfect!!
But what is crisco??
Oooh I’ve never had those – they look good!
Peter, thanks for posting this. My husband loves loukoumades, I’d love to be able to surprise him with these at some point.
�Peter, THIS look fantastic!!! love it. xxGloria
PD Hey Peter you don’t love meanymore??? (Im kidding) You dont come to my home (Blog) besos.
I often see these at our local Greek festivals, but never knew how to make them. Thanks for the step-by-step photos.
These look amazing. I’ve had these often (used to live at Broadview and Danforth in my college years) but never considered making them myself. Thanks for the detailed instructions, I just might try these at home now.
Yes I would love to try those sweet little gems. I love that they have walnuts & cinnamon on them, perfect. Peter you are such a great cook.
I absolutely love these! I would always look forward to our local Greek Festival just so I could get these! They don’t serve them with walnuts, but just the cinnamon was so good!
Maybe not heart healthy but the psychological benefits more than compensate!
I tasted my first Loukoumades back in the 1970′s in Cyprus. Having a Greek daughter in law whose extended family make me wonderful meals and desserts when I visit them in the UK each year.
Loukoumades have definetly been on the menu and they are to die for.
Yours look so good Peter.
Pete, the only other person I know that has had a birthday celebration for a whole week, is Nelson Mandela, and he is 90 years old today.
I have had Loukoumades twice in my life, but not once did it have walnuts sprinkled over the top. I prefer the walnuts….
Pete, the only other person I know that has had a birthday celebration for a whole week, is Nelson Mandela, and he is 90 years old today.
I have had Loukoumades twice in my life, but not once did it have walnuts sprinkled over the top. I prefer the walnuts….
Pete, the only other person I know that has had a birthday celebration for a whole week, is Nelson Mandela, and he is 90 years old today.
I have had Loukoumades twice in my life, but not once did it have walnuts sprinkled over the top. I prefer the walnuts….
Pete, the only other person I know that has had a birthday celebration for a whole week, is Nelson Mandela, and he is 90 years old today.
I have had Loukoumades twice in my life, but not once did it have walnuts sprinkled over the top. I prefer the walnuts….
Pete, the only other person I know that has had a birthday celebration for a whole week, is Nelson Mandela, and he is 90 years old today.
I have had Loukoumades twice in my life, but not once did it have walnuts sprinkled over the top. I prefer the walnuts….
Pete, the only other person I know that has had a birthday celebration for a whole week, is Nelson Mandela, and he is 90 years old today.
I have had Loukoumades twice in my life, but not once did it have walnuts sprinkled over the top. I prefer the walnuts….
Pete, the only other person I know that has had a birthday celebration for a whole week, is Nelson Mandela, and he is 90 years old today.
I have had Loukoumades twice in my life, but not once did it have walnuts sprinkled over the top. I prefer the walnuts….
Pete, the only other person I know that has had a birthday celebration for a whole week, is Nelson Mandela, and he is 90 years old today.
I have had Loukoumades twice in my life, but not once did it have walnuts sprinkled over the top. I prefer the walnuts….
Pete, the only other person I know that has had a birthday celebration for a whole week, is Nelson Mandela, and he is 90 years old today.
I have had Loukoumades twice in my life, but not once did it have walnuts sprinkled over the top. I prefer the walnuts….
Elena, they are dangerous to eat…I can have a dozen too!
Jan, you have a plate waiting for you. ;)
Jessica, hubby will love that surprise.
Gloria, thank you hun, I do visit.
Lydia, glad to hear you visit the Greek festivals…a little taste of Greece.
Joanne, these will take you back to the Danforth…little homesick?
Dawn, you have lots of Greeks out there…you should find some Loukoumades.
Pam, chances are the walnuts would increase the cost alot.
Helen, they taste majorly yum, that’s what counts here.
Sue, glad the Loukoumades triggered fond memories for you. I hear the Cypriot ones are very good too!
Nina, don’t be silly…Nelson Mandella is highly esteemed worldwide. I’m just showcasing Greek food, I’m humbled.
Oh, I don’t think I would make them myself, but if I was at your party, I know I would have tried one, or two. Looks mighty tasty, I especially like how you describe the textures.
These look worth a clogged artery or two :-)
I always loved getting these at all the Greek church festivals!
Oh, I just LOVE these! I get them at the Greek festival every year. Now I will have to wait until October since i do not deep fry.
It makes my teeth hurt just thinking about them… But, as I always manage to eat baklava (a tad on the sweet side) I could probably manage these as well. Send some over.
And, heck, walnuts and cinnamon are healthy…that must count!
MMMMMMM That looks good
I have never had these but they look even better than TimBits!!! I am such a fool for spending the evening cooking instead of at your party???!!!
Very fattening pictures lol..but who cares?! Pass some my way!
The are very tempting ;)
My brother married a wonderful Greek woman. My family has benefited from her mother’s wonderful cooking at family events for many years now. :) I’m not sure of where they are from in Greece. Or did you mean around here.
Peter, these looks so delicious! My mother in law makes these and they are always a hit in the family! Loved your pictures. appetizing:)
Deep fried dough. Yes, please!
Peter, Peter!!
You’re on a Food Buzz add – I’ve just seen it!!
splurging on delights like this is what i live for. amazing. have i bemoaned the fact that the nearest acceptable greek restaurant is an hour away lately? well, it is. dang it.
These look delicious and your blog is fabulous, Peter. I hear that when it comes to Greek food, you’re “Da Man!”
I am definitely inclined to believe that now! :) Lovely!
Lori Lynn, we don't make them regularly either, but on a special occasion…Yes!
Allen, why not…a couple of times a yr. won't kill ya.
Jenn, there are always line-ups for Loukoumades, eh?
Lisa, you should find them in most Greek towns too!
Katie, I'd say baklava is sweeter than these but both OH SO GOOD!
Judy…live & learn…next year or come up again soon!
Maryann, what's a dozen of these in the grand scheme of things?
Dragon, thanks for replying…aren't you lucky to have Greek inlaws now?
Farida, thank you…kids and adults love them so much!
Panda…comin' up!
Jan, see me winking at ya?
Grace, it well be worth the drive, no?
Lynne, thank you for visiting and for your kind words. I've taken a peak at your blog and it's organized with some delicious food!
Who knew the Greeks made donuts? Sounds divine!
Oh I remember the Loukoumades clever technique! Wow, it was quite a feast since it needed 5 posts to fit in :)
They wouldn’t be half so good if they were heart healthy – I’m willing to throw caution to the wind to get me some of these. Yum!!!
yum
I definitely missed this one Peter while I was there:(
I think I ate these one night in Theologos when I was in Greece. It was about 2:30 in the morning after a night out at the bars/clubs. I don’t think anything ever tasted better right then.
FABU! now i’m thinking most cultures have their own version of fried dough. these look SCRUMPTIOUS.
Those look really good!
Your Loukoumades look like our Buñuelos…. A delish, but our buñuelos are eaten cold.
These look dangerous!!
Natashya, I know I’m biased but these are better.
Lore, I have one more B-day offering to post…yes, that’s right!
Cakelaw…it was my B-day…good enough excuse.
Val, some shops in Van City might offer these.
Andy, you probably did..they are everywhere in Greece.
Never Full…fried dough rules!
Nuria, these can be eaten hot or cold but I think they are better hot.
Nicole, take only 6…at a time! lol
Greek donuts!!! Aaaah! Get them away! I grew up in Jersey, where there are many Greeks…and many Greek donuts.
I ate four dozen at one sitting once. I can still feel my spleen protesting…
Hey – Greek koeksusters!! We have a plaited, deep-fried Afrikaner confection in South Africa called koeksusters(pronounced cooksisters, hence the name of my blog, geddit, geddit??) that’s remarkably similar to this, down to the dunking in syrup after deep-frying! Like with these loukoumades, everybody loves them but few can be bothered to make them ;-) How about FedExing a few across to us here in London?!
OMG!!!! These look simply amazing!!