Bahraini Luqaimat
Luqaimat are small, deep-fried dumplings that are crispy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside. They are typically flavored with cardamom and drizzled with date syrup or honey, making them a popular sweet treat, especially during Ramadan.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.25 cups Warm water(divided)
- 2 tablespoons Sugar(for dough)
- 1 tablespoon Active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Saffron(dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- as needed Oil for deep frying
- for drizzling Date syrup or honey
- 5 tablespoons Mashed potato(optional, for extra crispiness)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of warm water with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
💡 Tip: Ensure yeast is active. - 2
In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and cardamom powder. If using, add the mashed potato.
- 3
Dissolve saffron in 1/4 cup of warm water. Add the activated yeast mixture, saffron water, and the remaining 1 cup of warm water to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
💡 Tip: The dough should be thick and sticky, not runny. - 4
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 5
Heat enough oil for deep frying in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
💡 Tip: Use a thermometer to ensure the correct oil temperature. - 6
Grease your hands lightly with oil or water. Take small portions of dough (about a tablespoon) and carefully drop them into the hot oil.
- 7
Fry the luqaimat, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
💡 Tip: Maintain a consistent oil temperature. - 8
Remove the fried dumplings with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
- 9
Drizzle generously with date syrup or honey before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve warm for the best texture.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to crispy luqaimat is the right dough consistency and oil temperature.
- ✓Mashed potato is an optional but recommended addition for crispiness.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the frying pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy luqaimat.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes use a simple sugar syrup instead of date syrup or honey.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped pistachios for added flavor and texture.