Loukoumades

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ tsp instant yeast
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1¾ cups warm water, divided
• ¾ cup honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 strip lemon peel
• Vegetable oil for frying
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Method

1. Whisk the flour, yeast, sugar, salt and 1¼ cups of the warm water into a smooth, sticky batter. Cover and let it rise until bubbly and doubled, about 1 hour.
2. Simmer the honey, the remaining ½ cup of water, the cinnamon stick and lemon peel for 5 minutes. Keep the syrup warm.
3. Heat 3 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F.
4. Squeeze the batter through your fist, or use two oiled spoons, to drop walnut-size balls into the oil. Fry in batches, turning, until golden all over, 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Drain on paper towels, then toss in the warm syrup.
6. Pile on a platter and sprinkle with walnuts and ground cinnamon. Serve right away.

Notes