Loukoumades are delicious deep fried Cypriot honey soaked balls enjoyed all year round on the island of Cyprus. Also known as ‘Honey Balls,’ they are usually served as a dessert after a meal. Many toppings are added to them as an option, and these include various nuts, chocolate or syrup sauces or ice cream. These light airy, crispy pastries are often enjoyed throughout the year, but in particular at Christmas time. Many households at this time make them to ward off Cyprus’s little Christmas goblins, known as the ‘Kallikantzeroi’
HOW TO MAKE LOUKOUMADES
Ingredients:
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of instant yeast
A pinch of salt
1/2 a cup of warm water
1 cup of vegetable oil for deep frying
1 cup of pure honey for dipping
Instructions:
Mix together the flour, yeast, and salt into a large bowl
Gradually add the warm water to the flour mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or cling film and place the mixture in a warm place, allowing the dough to rise
The mixture should be allowed to sit for at least an hour and will double in size
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep cooking pot or fryer to a medium to high heat
When the oil is hot, scoop out small portions of the dough forming balls and drop them into the hot oil
Deep fry each dough ball for beween 2 or 3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy
Remove the balls from the oil and place them on to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil
Dip the balls into honey and coat them evenly while they are still warm
Allow to the honey balls to cool to room temperature
Serve the honey balls warm or at room temperature
The Cyprus Traveller guide is designed to be an informative guide for people both living and visiting Cyprus.
yummyyyyyyyyy