Luqaimat, which can be translated as ‘bite-size’ in Arabic, are one of Qatar’s most favourite sweet treats and are often found in Qatari homes at tea time, during Ramadan and while entertaining guests. They have also found quite a fan following amongst expats who relish the syrupy taste of these ball-shaped dumplings that tickle the taste buds and cause an explosion of heavenly sweetness in your mouth.

In fact, Luqaimat are so popular, they are now available with different dips to give the traditional Qatari sweet an innovative twist in various cafes and restaurants around Doha.

What exactly are Luqaimat

Luqaimat are sweet dumplings made of flour, yeast, cardamom and saffron that are whipped up into a soft and smooth batter and deep-fried till they are a nice golden colour. These balls of delight are crunchy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside. Since there is no sugar in the actual dumplings, they are drizzled in or dipped in a sugary, honey or date syrup to make them sweet and served with Karak tea or Arabic coffee.

How Luqaimat are made

Luqaimat are easy to make and it takes just a few minutes to whip up the batter, shape it into balls and deep fry them. Frying is a bit tricky and special attention is needed to ensure the dumplings are cooked through, do not get too brown or absorb too much oil. The oil temperature must be perfect, so the dumplings come out crunchy on the outside, and yet soft on the inside.

Ingredients

Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon instant dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon corn-flour
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon oil
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of salt

Frying

• 3 cups oil

Syrup

• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• A few strands of saffron

Garnishing

• Sesame seeds (optional)

Method

Syrup

1. Boil the sugar, water, lemon juice and saffron strands.
2. Remove from heat when sticky and allow to cool completely.

Luqaimat dumplings

1. Blend or mix together the ingredients for the batter.
2. Cover and keep aside for one hour until the batter rises and doubles in size.
3. Once the batter is ready, it must be bouncy in texture and have some bubbles.
4. Heat the oil.
5. Spoon ½ tablespoon batter (try to make a nice ball) into the hot oil till you have a number of dumplings in the oil. Keep the oil temperature moderate.
6. The dumplings will double in size.
7. Fry and keep turning to ensure the dumplings are cooked on all sides.
8. Remove them from the oil when they are golden brown on all sides.
9. Drain off the excess oil from the dumplings.

Garnishing

1. Drizzle with or dip the Luqaimat in the prepared sugar syrup. Alternatively, you can use date syrup*, or maybe even honey.
2. Arrange the dumplings in a serving dish (optional: sprinkle with sesame seeds).
3. Serve.

*To make a delicious and easy-to-make date syrup, click here.

Related:

• Dine Out Doha: ILQ tries to make the Qatari sweet Luqaimat
• Top 5 local desserts to eat in Qatar
• Top five local desserts to eat this Eid
• Best Arabic sweets in Doha
• Best Arabic delightfully sweet dishes in Doha

Have you tried these bite-size Qatari delights? Aren’t they just a little piece of heavenly? Do try the recipe and let us know what you think in our comments section. Like and share the article – it keeps us going.

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Nabeela

Content Writer

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