Lokma
Turkish Fried Dough
Lokma are delightful, bite-sized Turkish fried dough balls, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, generously soaked in a sweet lemon-infused syrup. A beloved street food and dessert.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g All-purpose flour(Sifted)
- 2 tsp Active dry yeast
- 400 g Granulated sugar(For syrup)
- 350 ml Water(Lukewarm for batter, 250ml for syrup)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice(Freshly squeezed)
- 1 liter Vegetable oil(For deep frying (or enough to reach about 3-4 inches deep in your pot))
- 50 ml Warm water(Optional, for adjusting batter consistency)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water (about 50ml from the total 350ml for the batter) with the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar (taken from the syrup sugar). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Prepare the batter: To the foamy yeast mixture, add the sifted flour and the remaining water (about 300ml). Whisk vigorously until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be like thick cream or pancake batter, pourable but not too runny. If it's too thick, add the optional 50ml warm water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size and bubbly.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 3
Make the syrup: While the batter is rising, prepare the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the 400g sugar, 250ml water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, uncovered, until the syrup has thickened slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. It's crucial for the syrup to be cold when the hot lokma are added.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 4
Heat the oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of at least 3-4 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 180°C (350°F). Use a thermometer to ensure the correct temperature. If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a tiny bit of batter; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Fry the lokma: Once the oil is hot, punch down the risen batter gently. To form the lokma, wet your hands slightly or use two spoons. Scoop about a tablespoon of batter and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot; fry in batches (about 8-10 pieces at a time). Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they are puffed up, golden brown, and crispy all over.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 6
Soak and serve: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried lokma from the oil and immediately plunge them into the cold syrup. Let them soak for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, ensuring they are well coated. Remove from the syrup and place on a serving platter. Repeat with the remaining batter, ensuring the oil temperature is maintained between batches. Serve immediately while warm and crispy, with the syrup-soaked lokma.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the yeast is active before mixing the batter for a good rise.
- ✓The batter should be loose and pourable, similar to pancake batter.
- ✓Maintain the correct oil temperature (180°C/350°F) for perfectly fried lokma – too low and they'll be greasy, too high and they'll burn before cooking through.
- ✓The contrast between hot, freshly fried lokma and cold syrup is key to the texture and flavor.
- ✓Lokma are best enjoyed immediately after preparation for optimal crispiness.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for a warm spice note.
- Drizzle with honey instead of or in addition to the syrup.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios or walnuts after soaking in syrup.