Omani Luqaimat
Luqaimat are delightful Omani sweet dumplings, popular especially during Ramadan. These small, deep-fried fritters are crispy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside, typically drizzled with date syrup or a sweet syrup and sometimes sprinkled with sesame seeds.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Corn flour
- 1 tsp Instant yeast
- 1 tsp Sugar(for activating yeast)
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Cardamom powder
- 1 pinch Saffron threads(soaked in 1 tbsp warm water)
- 1 cup Warm water(+ more if needed)
- 4 cups Vegetable oil(for deep frying)
- 1 cup Date syrup or simple syrup(for drizzling)
- 2 tbsp Sesame seeds(for sprinkling (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp warm water with the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn flour, salt, and cardamom powder.
- 3
Add the activated yeast mixture, saffron water, and about 3/4 cup of warm water to the dry ingredients. Mix with a whisk or wooden spoon until you have a smooth, thick batter, similar to cake batter consistency. Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed.
- 4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the batter rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- 5
Heat about 3-4 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pot or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (around 175°C/350°F).
- 6
Using your fingers or a small scoop, carefully drop small portions of the risen batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning them occasionally, until golden brown and puffed up.
- 7
Remove the fried luqaimat with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
- 8
Arrange the warm luqaimat on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with date syrup or simple syrup and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The batter consistency is key; it should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to drop easily.
- ✓Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for perfectly crisp luqaimat.
- ✓Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy dumplings.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a mashed potato in the batter for extra softness.
- Serve with honey, condensed milk, or a sugar syrup infused with rose water.