Lokhemat with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, ground cardamom, salt, and sugar.
2. 2.
   Add the warm water gradually while stirring the mixture until a smooth batter is formed.
3. 3.
   Stir in the orange zest and mix well.
4. 4.
   Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the batter rest in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Using a small ice cream scoop or a spoon, drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
7. 7.
   Fry the Lokhemat until golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally for even cooking.
8. 8.
   Remove the Lokhemat from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. 9.
   Serve the Lokhemat warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Orange zest — Make sure to use organic oranges and wash them thoroughly before zesting to avoid any pesticide residue.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the Lokhemat with powdered sugar before serving.
• Serve Lokhemat with a drizzle of honey or a side of chocolate sauce for dipping.
• Experiment with different flavor variations by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
• To ensure the Lokhemat cook evenly, maintain a consistent oil temperature throughout the frying process.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the Lokhemat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Lokhemat warm as a dessert or a sweet snack. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer when they are still crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Lokhemat on a serving platter and sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also garnish with a few strands of saffron or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added visual appeal.