Chocolate Banana Loukoumades!

Celebrate by making Loukoumathes.Greek donuts, known as Loukoumathes, are fun to make and eat. Loukoumathes are celebratory and usually served for name-day celebrations in the Greek tradition. They are light, fluffy, and stacked high with honey, cinnamon, and nuts. Greek Chic them by stuffing each one with banana and drizzle with chocolate. My favorite way to eat them...yummy!


Loukoumathes Recipe

Serves: 10–15
Batter Ingredients
1 package active dry yeast
¼ cup water
1 cup milk, lukewarm
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar
1 egg, beaten
¼ cup butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
Vegetable Oil (for frying)
Topping Ingredients
1 pint honey, warm
5 tablespoons ground cinnamon
½ cup walnuts, finely chopped

Method
1. Dissolve yeast in a large measuring cup with ¼ cup 120 degree water and a
teaspoon of sugar to activate. Mix, cover with a plate, and place under a light until
it doubles in size.
2. In a separate bowl, add milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, egg, and lukewarm melted
butter. Then add activated yeast.
3. Sift flour and salt into a warm bowl and gradually stir in mixed liquids. Beat until
smooth and continue beating for 1 minute.
4. Cover with a folded cloth and leave in a warm place for 1 ½ hours. Batter should
double in bulk and have bubbles on the surface.
5. In a large pot or fryer, heat oil to 350° F.
6. Stir batter well. Take a teaspoon of dough, use a small spoon to push dough off,
and drop a small ball into deep hot oil. (Drop 4 or 5 balls at a time.) They should
float to the top right away. Turn each to brown them evenly. Takes about 1 minute
to cook. Remove with slotted spoon.
7. Drain on a paper towel. Place loukoumathes on a plate and sprinkle each stacked
layer with warm honey, cinnamon, and walnuts. Serve hot.

Greek Chic It: Banana-Chocolate Loukoumathes
Cut a small banana slice and place in the center of each ball of batter before frying
them. When serving cooked banana loukoumathes, drizzle with chocolate syrup and
nuts. This is incredible!