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.
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.
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.
Batter
Frying
Syrup
Garnishing
Syrup
Luqaimat dumplings
Garnishing
*To make a delicious and easy-to-make date syrup, click here.
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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