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Spiced Loukoumades

Sunday, 15 August 2021 09:00

By Adele Trathan

Adele Trathan loves these delicious Greek treats. They are similar to doughnuts or churros, but a healthier option as they are baked rather than deep fried, then soaked in a warm spiced honey

MAKES 20 Pieces

INGREDIENTS

  • 250g (9oz) strong white flour
  • 7g sachet fast-action yeast
  • 175ml (6fl oz) water
  • 5g (1tsp) salt

For the syrup:

  • 250ml (8½fl oz) water
  • 250g (9oz) honey
  • 3 cardamom pods, bruised
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 star anise
  • A handful of pistachio kernels, optional to garnish

METHOD

  1. Mix the flour, salt and yeast together in a bowl, then add the water and combine to make a dough. Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, until smooth and stretchy.
  2. Place the bowl in a warm place for one hour, or until the dough has doubled in size. When the dough has risen, divide it into 20 equally sized small balls.
  3. Line two baking sheets with baking paper and place ten dough balls on each tray, allowing plenty of space between them. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6.
  4. Cover the dough balls with some oiled cling film and allow the balls to rise for a further 40 minutes. Remove the cling film and bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
  5. In the meantime, place the water, honey, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods and star anise into a medium saucepan. Heat on the hob over a medium to high heat and simmer gently for at least five minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the spice to infuse until needed.
  6. Remove the spices and drop the dough balls into the syrup, gently stirring to cover each one in a generous coating of syrup. Serve with a dollop of Greek yoghurt and an optional sprinkling of pistachio kernels.

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