We are going to Greece today and I just found out that it is officially know as the 'Hellenic Republic'. That is my geographic tidbit for the day :-) Greece is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia & Africa.
Greece is the home to the first advanced civilizations in Europe and is considered the birthplace of Western civilization. Greece has a rich culture that has evolved over thousands of years. Modern democracies owe a debt to Greek beliefs in government by the people, by the jury and equality under the law.
Greek cuisine is characteristic of the healthy Mediterranean diet. Greek cuisine incorporates fresh ingredients into most of its dishes. With the rich culture it has, some of the dishes can be traced back to ancient Greece.
The most characteristic and ancient element of Greek cuisine is Olive Oil, which is used in most dishes. Wheat is the basic grain, though barley is also grown. Greek cuisine uses flavorings like oregano, mint, onion, garlic, dill more than other Mediterranean cuisines. They also, especially in the northern parts of Greece, use sweet spices like cinnamon and cloves with meat dishes.
There is an amazing array of vegetarian Greek dishes, but I decided to do a Greek dessert. I absolutely loved the name of this dish, actually I loved the way it is say by Greek -- loukoumades with a Greek accent :-) They are nothing but yeast donuts that are drizzled with copius amounts of honey syrup and enjoyed hot. They are crispy on the outside and light and airy in the inside. They are dangerously addictive and you can never stop at just one. So make them when you have company, so you can share them.
Recipe adapted from here and here.Ingredients: Serves 4~5 people
For the Loukoumades Batter:
All purpose flour - 1¾cups
Yeast - 2¼tsp
Milk - ½cup, lukewarm
Water - ½cup, lukewarm
Sugar - 1tbsp
Olive Oil - 2tbsp
Salt - ½tsp
For the Honey Syrup:
Honey - ¾cup
Sugar - 3tbsp
Water - ½cup
Cinnamon stick - 1" piece
Cloves - 3
For Garnish:
Ground Cinnamon - as needed
Walnuts - 2~3tbsp, chopped
Method:
- Make the Batter for Loukoumades: Combine all the ingredients for the batter in a mixing bowl or the bowl of the stand mixer. Mix until well combined. Cover and set aside to rise for at least 1½ hour.
- Make the Honey syrup: Combine all the ingredients for the syrup in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil on high heat. Lower the heat and simmer for 1~2 minutes. Keep warm.
- To make Loukoumades: Heat oil for deep frying. Take 2 teaspoons and dip them in water. Scoop out the batter with one spoon and gently slide into the hot oil with the other. Make sure that water does not drip into the hot oil. Dipping in water makes the batter not stick to the spoon.
- Fry the loumades until golden on all sides, flipping and turning occasionally using a slotted spoon. Don't fry on too high flame make sure that the flame is medium to make perfectly golden donuts.
- Remove onto a paper towel lined plate.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
- To Serve: Place the loukoumades on the serving plate and drizzle generously with the honey syrup. Sprinkle chopped walnuts and serve immediately!!
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