Lokma: Turkish Bite-Sized Fried Ball of Dough

In Turkey, a Lokma is a rather popular dessert for everyone; it is basically a bite-sized fried ball of dough which may be dipped in cinnamon sugar or sugar syrup or honey and cinnamon. Throughout time, this dish has become more and more popular throughout many Mediterranean areas although there are many variations on the dish like how it is served, and what it is served with. One of the most common comparisons made in this dish is with the Italian Zeppola which is similar but not quite the same.

One of the main identifying factors of a Lokma is the fact that they are made with yeast in its dough while many of the other Mediterranean countries do not use yeast at all. Also, it is generally dipped in something without any fillings in the middle of it. On the other hand, other dishes similar like the Zeppola are filled with sweetened things like ricotta cheese, jam and or custard.

The Lokma is most commonly sold by the street vendors and is a part of the culture. If one was to visit Turkey, it is important to try one of the Lokums, the singular version of Lokma, there. When bought from street vendors, the Lokma are usually home-made or at times they have already been made so many times, it seems automatic. Still, there are many reasons why Lokma may be made. In some parts of the country, the Lokma is served at the funeral; while in other parts, it is served on days of celebration and festivals.

While the Lokma is hard to make, we can all try to make something similar to it at home. All we have to do is deep-fry balls of bite-sized dough that require a very short cooking time, and then top it with a variety of sweet toppings. The size of the Lokma is important because if you make them too big, it will absorb all the oil and become fattening. On the other hand, it will also increase the cooking time necessary. Lokma will fit in the doughnut hole of a doughnut. The easiest method of making Lokma is to deep-fry the cakes, and then place them in a bag with lots and lots of cinnamon sugar. Mix the cinnamon sugar with deep-fried dough balls well, and you have Lokma!