Adele Trathan loves these delicious Greek treats. They are similar to doughnuts or churros, but a healthier option as they are baked rather than deep fried, then soaked in a warm spiced honey
MAKES 20 Pieces
INGREDIENTS
- 250g (9oz) strong white flour
- 7g sachet fast-action yeast
- 175ml (6fl oz) water
- 5g (1tsp) salt
For the syrup:
- 250ml (8½fl oz) water
- 250g (9oz) honey
- 3 cardamom pods, bruised
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- A handful of pistachio kernels, optional to garnish
METHOD
- Mix the flour, salt and yeast together in a bowl, then add the water and combine to make a dough. Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, until smooth and stretchy.
- Place the bowl in a warm place for one hour, or until the dough has doubled in size. When the dough has risen, divide it into 20 equally sized small balls.
- Line two baking sheets with baking paper and place ten dough balls on each tray, allowing plenty of space between them. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6.
- Cover the dough balls with some oiled cling film and allow the balls to rise for a further 40 minutes. Remove the cling film and bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- In the meantime, place the water, honey, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods and star anise into a medium saucepan. Heat on the hob over a medium to high heat and simmer gently for at least five minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the spice to infuse until needed.
- Remove the spices and drop the dough balls into the syrup, gently stirring to cover each one in a generous coating of syrup. Serve with a dollop of Greek yoghurt and an optional sprinkling of pistachio kernels.