Fried, crunchy, airy and sweet, what more could you ask for in a dessert. These delicious dumplings are a popular and festive favourite all over the Middle East.
Who can resist crispy fried dough balls that are sweet on the outside and soft and airy on the inside.
Traditionally served with honey or date syrup, these doughnut-like bites feature in many Arab cultures in different forms.
A much-loved dessert in Qatar, luqaimat, which literally means bites, is especially popular during festive seasons. During the month of Ramadan, these sweet bites are consumed after iftar, or breaking the fast.
This delicious recipe is super quick to whip up and definitely hits the sweet spot:
Ingredients
For the syrup:
1 cup of water
1.5 cups of sugar
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Alternatively, you can use honey for a lighter option
For the dough mixture:
1 cup of flour
A pinch of salt
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of yeast
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
Saffron and cardamon to taste
3/4 cup of warm water
Step 1.
Prepare the sugar syrup by boiling water with the sugar until it starts to thicken. Squeeze a dash of lemon juice and then leave to cool
Step 2.
Mix the dry ingredients with warm water until you reach a thick batter: thicker than a pouring consistency, more of a sticky dough. Leave the batter to rest for 30 minutes
Step 3.
In hot oil, spoon in dough balls and fry until golden brown
Step 4.
Drizzle some sugar syrup, top with sesame seeds and enjoy
PHOTOS: Cover – Glen_Pearson/Getty images, 1 – Vinicef/Getty images, 2 – Greoss/Shutterstock, 3 – Alexandr Musuc/Shutterstock, 4 – Sanoop.cp/Shutterstock.