Luqmat al-Qadi
Egyptian Sweet Dough Balls
Luqmat al-Qadi, meaning 'Bites of the Judge,' are delightful, crispy, golden-fried sweet dough balls, a popular treat, especially during Ramadan. They are light, airy on the inside, and coated in a sweet syrup.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g All-purpose flour(Approximately 2.5 cups)
- 7 g Active dry yeast(One standard packet)
- 250 ml Warm water(About 105-115°F (40-46°C))
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar(For activating yeast)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- as needed Vegetable oil, for frying(About 3-4 cups, enough for deep frying)
- 400 ml Sugar syrup (simple syrup)(Store-bought or homemade. Should be cooled.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This indicates the yeast is active.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl. Stir with a spoon or whisk until a smooth, thick batter forms, similar in consistency to pancake batter. Ensure there are no lumps.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
First rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Place it in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until the batter has doubled in size and is bubbly.
⏱️ 1 hour - 4
Prepare for frying: Pour the vegetable oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven, filling it about one-third full. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350-365°F (175-185°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the correct temperature. If you don't have a thermometer, a small drop of batter should sizzle and float to the surface immediately.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Shape and fry the dough balls: Wet a tablespoon or a small scoop with water to prevent sticking. Scoop small portions of the risen batter (about 1-2 teaspoons each) and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot; fry in batches of 8-10 balls at a time.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 6
Fry until golden brown: Fry the dough balls for 3-5 minutes, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they are puffed up, golden brown, and crispy on all sides. The oil temperature should be maintained between 350-365°F (175-185°C).
⏱️ 5 minutes per batch - 7
Drain and coat: Remove the fried dough balls from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels for a minute to remove excess oil. Immediately transfer the warm dough balls to a bowl of cooled sugar syrup and toss gently to coat them evenly.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 8
Serve: Luqmat al-Qadi are best served warm, shortly after being coated in syrup. They can also be served at room temperature.
⏱️ N/A
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cardamom or a teaspoon of rose water to the batter.
- ✓Ensure the sugar syrup is cool or at room temperature when dipping the hot fried dough balls. This contrast creates a lovely texture.
- ✓Maintain the oil temperature consistently for evenly cooked and crisp dough balls.
- ✓This is a traditional Ramadan treat, often enjoyed after breaking the fast.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Drizzle with honey instead of or in addition to sugar syrup.
- Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and powdered sugar after coating in syrup.
- Add a touch of orange blossom water to the sugar syrup for an aromatic twist.