Lokma - Crispy Turkish Dough Balls
Flour - Yeast - Sugar - Warm water - Vegetable oil - Honey - Lemon juice
Ingredients
For the Dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• A pinch of salt
For Frying:
• 2-3 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
For the Sugar Syrup:
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Recipe Details & Quick Facts
• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour rising)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6 - 8 portions
• Cost Level: Budget-Friendly
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the sugar syrup first by combining the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-12 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and active.
Step 3: Add the flour and salt into the yeast mixture. Whisk thoroughly until you get a smooth, sticky, and stretchy batter (slightly thicker than pancake batter). Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
Step 4: Heat plenty of vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Take a handful of the dough, squeeze your fist so the dough oozes out of the top of your thumb and index finger like a small ball, and scoop it off using a spoon dipped in oil. Drop the dough balls carefully into the hot oil.
Step 6: Fry them, stirring constantly, until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 5-6 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon.
Step 7: While the fried dough balls are still hot, drop them directly into the cold sugar syrup. Let them soak for 30-40 seconds, then transfer them to a serving plate.
Chef's Closing Tip
Serve immediately while they are delightfully crispy on the outside and soft inside. You can garnish them with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or cinnamon on top. Enjoy your meal!
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