Luqaimat is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made of deep-fried dough balls soaked in a sweet syrup.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 1/2cupswater
- 1tbspyeast
- 1tbspsugar
- 2cupsall-purpose flour
- 2tbspcornstarch
- 2tbspmilk powder
- pinchsalt
- 1tbspvanilla
- 2tbspvegetable oil
For the Syrup
- 2cupssugar
- 2cupswater
- dashcardamom
- 1gcitric acid
- 1/4cuphoney
How to make Luqaimat | Arabian Sweet Dumplings
Preparing the Dough
In a mixing bowl, add water, yeast, and sugar. Mix well and let the yeast activate for 5 minutes.
Add all-purpose flour, cornstarch, milk powder, salt, and vanilla to the mixing bowl. Mix well until the dough forms.
Add vegetable oil to the mixing bowl and knead the dough for 10 minutes.
Let the dough ferment for 1 hour.
Preparing the Syrup
In a small pot over medium heat, add sugar, water, and cardamom. Let it simmer for 12 minutes.
Add citric acid or lemon juice and honey to the pot. Stir well and remove from heat. Let it cool down.
Frying the Luqaimat
After 1 hour, remove the air from the dough and shape it into small balls.
Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a deep pot.
Using a pancake dispenser, frosting gun, or frosting bag, pour the dough balls straight into the hot oil. Roll them so that they cook evenly from all sides.
Fry the luqaimat for about six minutes until they turn golden brown.
Soak the fried luqaimat in the syrup immediately.
Tips & Tricks
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy texture.
You can add saffron to the syrup for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQS
What is the best way to store leftover luqaimat?
To store leftover luqaimat, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to reheat them in the oven before serving.
Can I make luqaimat gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free luqaimat by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the other ingredients, like cornstarch and milk powder, are also gluten-free to maintain dietary compatibility.
What can I use instead of honey in the luqaimat syrup?
If you prefer not to use honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave syrup for a similar sweetness. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, but it will still complement the luqaimat well.
What are some good pairings for luqaimat?
Luqaimat pairs wonderfully with a cup of Arabic coffee or tea. You can also serve them with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor and texture.
How do I ensure my luqaimat are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside?
To achieve crispy luqaimat, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. Fry them in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. Additionally, soaking them in syrup immediately after frying helps maintain their softness while keeping the exterior crispy.
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Rafia Junaid
(@chef_rafia)
Creating & sharing recipes is my passion . Let me inspire your next culinary adventure! 📍UAE, Dubai Creating & sharing recipes is my passion . Let me inspire your next culinary adventure! 📍UAE, Dubai...
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