Ingredients:

  • For the dough:
    • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1 1/4 cups warm water
    • 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon fine salt
    • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • For the syrup:
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 lemon slice

Instructions:

  1. Make the dough: In a measuring cup, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes foamy.

  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

  3. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and stir with an oiled wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

  4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes until smooth and elastic.

  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

  6. Make the syrup: While the dough rises, combine water, sugar, and lemon slice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

  7. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

  8. Fry the Lokma: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).

  9. Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.

  10. Carefully drop a few dough balls at a time into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot.

  11. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

  12. Remove the Lokma with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  13. Serve: Once cool enough to handle, transfer the Lokma to a serving plate and drizzle them generously with the cooled syrup.

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