Luqaimat
Luqaimat are small, golden-brown, deep-fried dumplings that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are a popular sweet treat across the Middle East, especially during Ramadan, and are typically served drizzled with date syrup or honey.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.25 cups Warm water
- 1 tbsp Active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Milk powder (optional)
- for frying Vegetable oil
- 2 cups Sugar(for syrup)
- 2 cups Water(for syrup)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice(for syrup)
- 1/2 tsp Cardamom powder (optional)(for syrup)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 2 tbsp sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cornstarch, and milk powder (if using).
- 3
Pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until a smooth, thick batter forms. It should be like a thick pancake batter. Cover the bowl and let it rest in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- 4
While the dough is rising, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar, 2 cups water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in cardamom powder, if using. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- 5
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the dumplings.
- 6
To form the dumplings, you can use a spoon dipped in cold oil, scoop about 1/2 tablespoon of batter, and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Alternatively, grease your hands with oil and roll small portions of dough into balls before dropping them in.
- 7
Fry the Luqaimat in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per batch. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- 8
Remove the fried Luqaimat with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Immediately dip the warm Luqaimat into the cooled syrup for about 5 minutes, or drizzle the syrup generously over them.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature; too hot and they'll burn outside before cooking inside, too cool and they'll be greasy.
- ✓The dough should be thick but pourable. Adjust with a little more water or flour if needed.
- ✓For extra crunch, some recipes add mashed potato to the dough.
- ✓Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Drizzle with date molasses instead of sugar syrup.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios or sesame seeds.
- Some variations include rose water or saffron in the syrup.