Luqaimat means Saudi Arabia did doughnut holes first

Luqaimat are conventional Gulf donuts, usually loved throughout festive events, particularly through the holy month of Ramadan. These small, fried dough balls are coated with honey, date molasses, or sugar syrup and generally garnished with black cumin seeds. The candy, golden Luqaimat are a beloved deal with, offering an ideal steadiness of crispy and delicate textures. You can discover them cooking in lots of Middle East kitchens and markets, even in Jaffa, Israel where there is a thriving Muslim population.

Luqaimat additionally referred to as lokma, lugaimat or awameh (or loukoumades in Greek)  are crisp on the skin, delicate and fluffy on the within, and completely scrumptious drizzled with a home made sugar syrup.

During Ramadan, they’re usually served as a scrumptious dessert to interrupt the quick, providing a candy and comforting finish to the iftar meal. The wealthy, syrup-soaked dough balls should not solely a culinary delight but additionally an emblem of celebration, neighborhood, and custom. In latest years, trendy cooks have embraced the traditional recipe and experimented with new variations, corresponding to maple syrup, melted chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, and jam, including modern twists to this cherished dish.

Related: green your Ramadan with this guide

Try our easy and scrumptious recipe under to recreate these gentle, golden donuts at house and luxuriate in a style of Saudi Arabia’s wealthy culinary heritage, particularly through the Ramadan season.

Preparation Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

For the dough (serves 4 folks):

• 170g all-purpose flour
• 12g sugar
• 1/4g salt
• Oil for frying
• 4g on the spot yeast
• 13g cornstarch
• 200ml water

For the home made syrup:

• 420g sugar
• 225ml water
• 3 cardamom pods
• 6ml lemon juice

Method

For the dough:

1. In a deep bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, cornstarch, and yeast till effectively combined.
2. Gradually add water whereas stirring constantly for two minutes till a semi-liquid dough varieties.
3. Cover the bowl and let the dough relaxation for 40 minutes to ferment.
4. Heat oil in a deep-frying pan over medium warmth for five minutes till scorching.
5. Reduce the warmth to low, and drop spoonfuls of dough into the oil to kind medium-sized balls.
6. Fry the dough balls, turning them constantly for two minutes till golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain. Repeat with the remaining dough.
7. Increase the warmth to medium for 1 minute, then return the Luqaimat to the oil. Fry for an additional 2 minutes, turning them till golden brown and crispy on all sides.
8. Place the Luqaimat into the sugar syrup to soak completely, then switch them to a serving plate.

For the home made syrup:

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, mix sugar, water, cardamom pods, and lemon juice. Heat over medium till it begins to boil (about 2 minutes).
2. Reduce the warmth to low and simmer for 8 minutes, permitting it to chill. The syrup is now prepared to make use of.

To Serve:

1. Dip the still-hot Luqaimat into the syrup, guaranteeing they’re completely coated.
2. Place three items on a serving plate.
3. Optionally, sprinkle with black and white sesame seeds for an ornamental contact.
4. Serve instantly whereas they’re crispy, paired with Saudi espresso for an genuine expertise.

Luqaimat and Ramadan

PuckArabia provides cream cheese

Luqaimat are notably cherished throughout Ramadan, the place they play a particular position within the iftar meal. After a day of fasting, the sweetness of Luqaimat supplies a satisfying and energy-boosting deal with to interrupt the quick. The dough balls, soaked in syrup, are a supply of consolation and a reminder of the wealthy cultural and culinary traditions of the Gulf area.

Luqaimat should not only a deal with for the physique but additionally a connection to the spirit of Ramadan, a time for reflection, household, and neighborhood. Sharing Luqaimat with family members throughout this particular month brings folks collectively, creating lasting recollections and a way of unity.

Enjoy your home made Luqaimat, a scrumptious style of Saudi Arabia’s wealthy culinary heritage, particularly through the Ramadan season!