Sweet Snack · Ancient Treat

Loukoumades

Photo: Anastase Maragos / Unsplash · Unsplash License

They're often linked to ancient Greek honey-soaked fried dough, and the same sweet is known in Turkey as lokma.

Small balls of yeasted dough are deep-fried until crisp outside and pillowy inside, then drenched in warm honey syrup and dusted with cinnamon and crushed walnuts. Served hot from street kiosks and festivals.

Why it's made this way: Honey held deep symbolic weight in ancient Greek hospitality and celebration, and the fritter recipe endured over centuries.