Recipe: Loukoumades (Honey Balls) - Greek

Loukoumades (Honey Balls) - Greek
Source: Modern Greek by Andy Harris

These small honey balls ore similar to doughnuts and ore equally popular as a mid-morning snack in Greek cafes and pastry shops.

1/4 ounce (1 packet) dry yeast
1 cup warm water
I 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 teaspoon salt
FOR THE SYRUP:
6 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons water
Vegetable oil for deep frying
1 teaspoon cinnamon

TO MAKE THE BATTER:
Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of the warm water for 15 minutes or until it becomes frothy.

Place the flour and salt in a bowl. Make a well in the center and add the yeast solution and remaining 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well to make a thick batter. Cover with a kitchen towel and leave for 1 hour in a warm place or until the batter has doubled in size.

TO MAKE THE SYRUP:
Place the honey and water in a saucepan and simmer, stirring, for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

TO MAKE THE HONEY BALLS:
Heat the oil in a large saucepan suitable for deep frying. Drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, turning them as they puff up. Fry for about 3 minutes or until they are golden brown. Drain on paper towels and keep warm until all the batter is used,

To serve, place on a large platter or individual plates, spoon the syrup over and sprinkle with cinnamon,

Makes about 26