I don’t think it’s too much to hope for a better year in 2022, so I’m sending you all my best wishes for good things ahead!
There are a few different New Year’s traditions in my family that come from our Greek culture. The one I’ll be indulging in tomorrow is making Loukoumades, or Greek doughnuts. These were a highlight of the holidays growing up, and I thought I’d share my mom’s recipe. Enjoy!
Loukoumades (Greek Doughnuts)
This recipe makes enough for at least 6 people. Feel free to halve the amounts to make less.
(Apologies for the lack of precise measurements– my mom was one of those cooks who just knew how to make things. Luckily the recipe doesn’t need to be too precise.)
2 highball glasses/tall drinking glasses of warm water
3 soup spoons yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 soup spoons vegetable oil (or olive oil, if you want to be authentic)
2 to 3 highball glasses/tall drinking glasses all-purpose flour
Mix together water, yeast, salt, and oil in a large bowl. Add flour, mixing in thoroughly. Batter should have a similar consistency to pancake batter (not too thick nor runny). Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and let sit until mixture has doubled in bulk.
Once the batter is ready, pour vegetable oil several inches deep into a saucepan (don’t fill the pan more than halfway). Heat oil over high heat. To test if it’s hot enough, carefully drop a small amount of batter in; if the batter floats and oil bubbles around, you’re ready to start making the loukoumades. (If the batter immediately turn brown, the oil is too hot. Turn it down and test again in a few minutes.)
Lower heat to medium-low. Carefully drop in scant tablespoons of batter (the loukoumades puff up, so you don’t want to make them too big). Don’t crowd the pan. Fry loukoumades, turning them until they are lightly golden and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl or large dish lined with paper towels. Continue until you’re out of batter, adding more oil to the pan, if necessary.
SYRUP
2 cups unpasteurized honey
3/4 cup to 1 cup water (depends on whether you prefer a thicker or thinner syrup)
Simmer water and honey together in a small saucepan for 3 to 4 minutes. Lower heat to minimum and keep warm.
TO SERVE:
If you prefer crispy loukoumades like I do, pour some syrup into an individual bowl, sprinkle with ground cinnamon, and dip loukoumades into the syrup as you’re eating them.
If you prefer softer/sweeter loukoumades, place them in a serving bowl. Pour the syrup over them and sprinkle with cinnamon. Eat while still warm.
You can also reheat loukoumades in the oven at 350F (175C) for about 15 minutes. Loukoumades are best eaten the same day.
How to Pronounce:
Wishing you a sweet 2022,
Aspasía S. Bissas
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