Turkish Lokma (Fried Dough Balls) with Syrup
Turkish Lokma Recipe
Turkish Lokma recipe is one of the most popular and easiest sweets in Turkey. Turkey is the birthplace of authentic and delicious sweets. This authentic sweet has an easy recipe and is prepared at various parties and ceremonies and sweetens people’s palates. Lokma are small, crispy, honey-like sweets that are high in energy due to their high sugar content.
Turkish sweets have long been popular in surrounding countries and have maintained the authenticity of this country. Sweets such as Baghlava and Kazandibi which have an attractive appearance and taste.
What is Lokma?
Lokma is a type of fried dough ball soaked in a sweet syrup or honey. It’s crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and melts in your mouth. The name lokma comes from the Turkish word meaning bite or mouthful, perfectly describing its small, easy to eat size.
Originating from the Ottoman Empire, lokma has been enjoyed for centuries throughout Turkey and surrounding regions. It’s often served during celebrations, religious ceremonies, and special occasions, making it a cherished part of Turkish culture.
The best Turkish lokma recipe
One of the simplest and most famous Turkish sweets is Lokma, which requires simple ingredients and can be easily prepared. This sweet consists of two parts: honey syrup and pastry dough. In this article, we will teach you the best recipe for making Turkish Lokma.
Ingredients for making Turkish lokma recipe
Like many Turkish sweets, Lokma requires the preparation of dough and syrup separately.
Ingredients for Turkish Lokma Syrup
| Sugar | 2 Cups |
| Water | 1.5 Cups |
| Rose water | 2 Tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 Teaspoon |
Ingredients for Turkish Lokma Pastry Dough
| Flour | 3 Cups |
| Water | 2 Cups |
| Instant or dry yeast | 1 Tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 Teaspoon |
| Liquid oil | 1 Tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 Teaspoon |
How to make Turkish Lokma Dough
Step 1
First, combine a glass of moderate temperature water with sugar and yeast, cover it and give it 10 minutes to foam. The water should not be too hot or cold for this.
Step 2
At this stage, we use a zip-lock plastic bag and add two cups of flour, the rest of the water and salt. Add the prepared yeast and oil to it and mix together in the plastic bag. Leave the dough at room temperature for 1 hour to rest.
This dough is sticky and for this reason we do not use a funnel and use the same plastic as a funnel.
How to make Turkish Lokma syrup
Step 1
While you have the dough resting, easily prepare the syrup to spend less time preparing this delicious pastry.
Put water in a suitable container on the heat and add sugar to it and mix together until the sugar is completely dissolved in the water.
Add lemon juice and rose water at the end and remove it from the heat until it cools and becomes honey-like and thick.
The final step of preparing Turkish Lokma
After 1 hour, the dough will have thickened and you need to fry it. To do this, cut a small corner of the plastic and drop it into the hot oil the size of a walnut. The pastries should float in the oil in the form of small balls and after they turn golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a napkin to remove excess oil.
After cooling, place the sweets on a tray and pour honey syrup over them and place them in the refrigerator like Zoolbia to cool and the syrup to penetrate them.
Important tips for Turkish lokma recipe
1- Be sure to add the oil to the dough after it is hot.
2- Use saffron infused in syrup for a more attractive color and aroma.
3- You can use pistachio powder to decorate this pastry.
4- Make sure the ambient temperature is not cold for the dough so that the dough becomes voluminous faster.
Benefits of Turkish lokma for the body
- Providing energy to the body
- Improving mood
- Providing nutrients through additives such as walnuts, pistachios, almonds and saffron
Disadvantages of Turkish lokma for the body
- High sugar and the risk of diabetes
- Weight gain
- High fat and cholesterol
- Tooth decay
- Digestive problems
Turkish Lokma recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Mix flour, yeast, and water.
- Let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil and fry small balls.
- Prepare syrup and pour it over fried lokmas.
Lokma Turkey: A Traditional Delight
In Turkey, lokma is commonly sold at street stalls and bakeries, freshly fried and dipped into syrup just before serving. The preparation is simple but requires skill to achieve the perfect texture. The dough is made from basic ingredients flour, yeast, water, and sugar then allowed to rise before being shaped into small balls and fried in hot oil.
After frying, the lokma balls are immediately soaked in a sugar syrup flavored with lemon or rose water, giving them a sweet, tangy finish. Some variations also include cinnamon or sesame seeds sprinkled on top.
The Unique Taste of Lokma Turkish Dessert
What makes lokma Turkish dessert stand out is its unique balance of textures and flavors. The crunchiness of the fried dough contrasts beautifully with the sticky sweetness of the syrup. This delightful combination has made lokma a favorite treat not only in Turkey but across the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.
People often enjoy lokma fresh and warm, as the syrup is most delicious when soaked into the dough right after frying. It’s commonly paired with Turkish tea or coffee, enhancing the overall experience.
Conclusion
Turkish lokma recipe is an instant pastry without milk and eggs that tastes delicious. This sweet is suitable for parties and various occasions and is easy to prepare. The family of sweets and desserts should be consumed in moderation and caution should be exercised due to its high sugar content. However, if you prepare these delicious treats at home, you can control the amount of sugar in them and prepare a healthier meal. Prepare Turkish lokma easily at home and share your thoughts with us.
Frequently Asked Questions about Turkish Lokma
What is Turkish Lokma made of?
Lokma is made from a yeast dough with flour, water, and sugar. After frying, the dough balls are soaked in sweet syrup.
Is Lokma the same as Loukoumades?
Lokma is the Turkish version of syrup-soaked fried dough balls, while Loukoumades is the Greek version. Both are similar, but slightly different in texture and flavor.
How do you keep Lokma crispy?
Fry the dough in hot oil (around 180°C / 350°F) and immediately dip them into cold syrup. This temperature contrast keeps them crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Can I make Lokma without yeast?
Traditional Lokma requires yeast for its airy texture, but some modern recipes use baking powder. The result will be slightly different in taste and texture.
When is Lokma usually served in Turkey?
Lokma is often prepared for special occasions, religious ceremonies, weddings, and community gatherings as a symbol of sharing and generosity.