Loukoumades, also known as Turkish Lokma, are delicious, golden, and crispy dough balls soaked in sweet syrup, often enjoyed as a traditional dessert in Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion, bringing together a combination of crispy outside and a soft, fluffy inside. Coated in sweet syrup and garnished with cinnamon, Loukoumades are a dessert experience you won’t soon forget. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love These Loukoumades
These Turkish Loukoumades are the perfect combination of crunchy and chewy. When fried, the dough puffs up to form golden balls with a delicate crisp exterior and a soft interior. The syrup adds sweetness and a beautiful shine to the Loukoumades, while the addition of cinnamon on top brings a warm, comforting flavor. This recipe is ideal for sharing with friends and family or as a sweet indulgence whenever you’re craving something special. Plus, it’s a fun, hands-on dessert that anyone can enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 cups (400 ml) water
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1 pack (11 g) instant yeast
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1 full tsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
For the Syrup:
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2 cups sugar
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1 1/2 cups water
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3-4 drops lemon juice
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
The Syrup:
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Start by making the syrup. In a pot, combine 2 cups of sugar and 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
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Increase the heat to high and bring the syrup to a boil. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the syrup thickens slightly.
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Once the syrup has reached the right consistency, turn off the heat. Add 3-4 drops of lemon juice and set the syrup aside to cool.
The Dough:
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In a large container, mix together 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of water, 1 packet of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir with a mixer until everything is well combined. The dough should have a consistency slightly thicker than cake batter.
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If you prefer, you can mix the dough by hand instead of using a mixer.
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Once the dough is ready, cover the container with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for about 1 hour, letting it rise.
Frying the Loukoumades:
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In a medium-sized pot, fill it halfway with frying oil and heat the oil to medium-high.
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Lightly oil a spoon (this helps to easily handle the dough).
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Using your oiled spoon, take a small portion of the dough and drop it into the hot oil. You can use your opposite hand to help form the dough ball by squeezing it from the spoon. The dough should float in the oil.
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Fry the Loukoumades, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Once they are fried, transfer the Loukoumades directly into the cooled syrup. Let them soak for 2-3 minutes while stirring gently.
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Once they are fully coated with syrup, transfer them to a serving plate. Continue the process until all the dough is used up.
Serving:
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For an extra touch of flavor, pour any leftover syrup over the Loukoumades and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8 people (depending on portion size)
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Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Variations
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Nutty Topping: Sprinkle crushed walnuts or pistachios on top of your Loukoumades for an added crunch.
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Flavored Syrup: Add a cinnamon stick or a few cardamom pods to the syrup while boiling for a more aromatic flavor.
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Vegan Option: Use a plant-based butter or oil for frying, and substitute sugar with a vegan alternative like maple syrup for the syrup.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Loukoumades are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. The syrup may make the dough soft, but they will still taste great.
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Freezing: You can freeze the fried Loukoumades without the syrup. Just store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven and dip them in freshly prepared syrup.
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Reheating: To reheat, bake the Loukoumades in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture before serving with the syrup.
FAQs
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before frying.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil or sunflower oil works best for frying Loukoumades because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can also use canola oil.
Can I make Loukoumades without yeast?
Traditional Loukoumades recipes call for yeast, but you can try using a substitute like baking powder for a slightly different texture, though it may not give the same airy puff.
What if my Loukoumades are too soft after frying?
If your Loukoumades are too soft, it may be due to not frying them long enough. Make sure the oil is hot enough and fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Can I use a different type of syrup?
While the traditional syrup is sugar-based, you can experiment with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to reach the right consistency.
Conclusion
Loukoumades (Turkish Lokma) are a delightful and indulgent dessert that will impress anyone who loves Mediterranean or Turkish cuisine. With their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, all soaked in sweet syrup and dusted with cinnamon, these little treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving something sweet, Loukoumades will surely satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy the deliciously sweet flavors of Turkey right in your kitchen!
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Loukoumades – Turkish Lokma
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, fluffy goodness of Loukoumades (Turkish Lokma), a traditional Turkish dessert. These fried dough balls are soaked in fragrant sugar syrup and make for a perfect treat after a meal or at a celebration. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and drenched in a citrus-infused syrup, these little delights are a must-try.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups (400 ml) water
1 pack (11 g) instant yeast
1 full teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
For the Syrup:
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water
3–4 drops lemon juice
Instructions
Make the Syrup:
In a pot, combine 2 cups sugar and 1 1/2 cups water. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Increase the heat and bring the syrup to a boil. Let it boil for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Once the syrup has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 3-4 drops of lemon juice. Let it cool.
Make the Dough:
In a container, combine 3 1/2 cups flour, 2 cups water, 1 packet of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir the mixture with a mixer until everything is well combined.
The dough should be slightly thicker than cake batter, but not too thick.
If you don’t have a mixer, you can mix by hand. Once the dough reaches a medium consistency, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1 hour.
Fry the Loukoumades:
Fill a medium pot with oil, about halfway, and heat it up for deep frying.
Oil a spoon to scoop the dough. Using the oiled spoon, scoop some dough and drop it into the hot oil (you can use your left hand for the dough and right hand for the spoon).
Fry the loukoumades, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Once fried, remove them from the oil and immediately place them in the cooled syrup. Let them soak for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat them well.
Serve:
Transfer the syrup-soaked loukoumades to a serving plate.
Optionally, pour any remaining syrup over the loukoumades and garnish with cinnamon before serving.
Notes
Adjust the frying oil temperature to ensure the loukoumades cook evenly and don’t burn.
You can also add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or walnuts for extra flavor and texture.
Loukoumades are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Turkish
