Lokum/Llokuma/ Uštipci/Pişi
Lokum/Llokuma/ Uštipci/Pişi are all names for these puffy fried quick breads. Perfect with sweet or salty sides, these are a weekend winner.
A Balkan mama with a hungry brood was in a rush when she kneaded this dough without yeast. These pleasantly puffy morsels are ready in a flash since no proofing time is needed.
A little creative cutting is all you need to transform humble dough into golden diamonds! Diamond shapes appear in many forms of Balkan art including copper, embroidery and of course food (hello baklava!) You could cut this dough any way you like but why not diamonds for breakfast?
Lokum
Ingredients
3 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup plain whole milk yogurt (not greek style)
2 eggs
1/4 c flour for kneading & rolling
oil for frying
Directions
• Whisk 3 cups flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda together in bowl.
• Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add yogurt & eggs to form a soft dough. This can be done by hand or in a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. Knead until the dough pulls away from your hands/bowl easily without sticking. If needed, sprinkle in flour -one tablespoon at a time- from additional 1/4 c flour.
• Allow dough to rest in a covered bowl for 10-15 minutes. This helps the gluten relax resulting in tender texture with light air pockets.
• Heat oil over medium heat while the dough rests. It’s a good time to put on a pot of tea and set out the sides (cheese, ajvar, honey, jam, olives, etc.)
• Turn dough onto a lightly floured working surface. Roll out dough to a 12” circle. Use gentle pressure while using a rolling pin to achieve even thickness.
•Cut vertical strips 2 inches apart. Then cut diagonally 2 inches apart to make diamond shapes. Any knife will do, but a pizza cutter is even better since it doesn’t drag the dough as a knife might.
• Carefully place diamond shaped dough pieces into heated oil. Fry 1-2 minutes each side until golden and puffed. Fry in batches as to not overcrowd the pan.
•Serve with sweet and savory sides for the tastiest anytime meal!
AJDE, LET’S EAT! Tag me on IG if you try it @balkanbasics
