Perfectly Crunchy Luqaimat (Arabic Sweet Dumplings)
Luqaimat is one of the most popular Arabic dishes, and for a good reason! It’s beautiful, yeasted doughnuts that are fried to a crunchy texture and golden-brown color.
These sweet dumplings can be eaten as a snack or dessert, and they’re especially popular during the holy month of Ramadan.
This is an authentic recipe of Luqaimat, featuring flavors from the Middle East, and it requires minimal ingredients to give you one of the tastiest desserts you’ve ever had!
What is Luqaimat?
Luqaimat is a kind of Arabic sweet dumpling that could be described as doughnuts made with yeast and fried to a beautiful golden brown color, then dipped in date syrup, rolled in honey, or dusted with sugar.
The word Luqaimat (لقيمات in Arabic) literally means ‘little bites’. They’re also known as Luqmat al Kadhi, which literally means ‘judge’s bites’ in Jordan, though the recipe differs from how Arabs in Gulf Countries make them.
They’re an incredibly popular and famous dish that’s commonly served during the holy month of Ramadan all across the Middle East, including Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and the Gulf countries. It is, by far, one of the most popular desserts eaten during Ramadan.
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims where they fast from dawn to sunset and reflect the whole month. It’s a month of gratitude, appreciation, and a sense of community.
With that, of course, comes food! That’s where Luqaimat shines!
If you were to peek inside an Arabic household, you’d notice women preparing Luqaimat during this beautiful month of Ramadan.
When to Have it?
The best time to have them is when they’re fresh so you can truly enjoy how crispy they are on the outside, and how soft and airy they are on the inside. That’s when you learn how beautiful Luqaimat’s crunch texture is.
The smaller you make these sweet dumplings, the tastier they are! But you don’t need to make them too tiny. Aim for Luqaimat that’s 2 inches high and 2 inches wide for the perfect size!
Luqaimat itself is not very sweet at all, and that’s why honey, regular simple syrup, or date syrup is poured over the dumplings to sweeten them. But you can even go for maple syrup if you want!
But for this reason, you can definitely customize the sweetness according to your own preferences. This is truly a versatile and delicious dessert that can also be eaten as a snack!
Some recipes for Luqaimat call for yogurt, and others include baking powder and milk. The Luqaimat eaten in Gulf countries primarily uses flour, yeast, saffron, and cardamom. This is the version I’ll be sharing with you today.
It’s important to fry these delicious, sweet dumplings the right way. If the oil is too hot, they’ll only cook from the outside. If the oil is not hot enough the dumplings will absorb all the oil, and you won’t enjoy them as much.
Sounds a little tricky? don’t worry I’ve got you covered! Follow my recipe to a T, you’ll get the most delicious and perfect Luqaimat you’ve ever had!
Where Did Luqaimat Originate From?
Luqaimat is said to have originated in Ancient Greece, where it was given as ‘honey tokens’ to winners in the Olympic games.
It was then adapted to the Luqaimat recipe we know today and was called Luqmat al-Qadi, meaning ‘judge’s bites’ or ‘judge’s morsels’.
This recipe version of Luqaimat can be traced back to the 13th Century during the Abbasid Caliphate where it was mentioned is many cookbooks of the time.
Luqaimat was also mentioned in the popular folk tales One Thousand and One Nights, and in the story The Porter and The Three Ladies of Baghdad.
Interestingly, the famous explorer and scholar Ibn Battuta also came across this dish in the 14th century in Multan (present-day Pakistan), where the hosts referred to it as al-Hashimi.
These delicious dumplings were also cooked by palace cooks in the Ottoman Empire for centuries. This influence mainly came from the countries and regions the Ottomans ruled including the Balkans, Middle East, and the Caucasus.
What Else It’s Called?
There are many other words these incredible sweet dumplings are referred to as in different countries apart from Luqaimat and Luqmat al-Qadi.
In parts of the Middle East, including Lebanon, it’s called Awameh or Awamat which literally means ‘floaters’ or ‘swimmer’, and also Zalabya.
While in Turkey, it’s called Lokma where it is commonly spiced with cinnamon in a honey syrup and then sprinkled lightly with powdered sugar, or sometimes eaten with cheese.
You will find that in Greece and Cyprus, the recipe slightly differs, and it is known as Loukoumades. Greek Jews also have it as treats during Hanukkah and call it Zvingoi (σβίγγοι).
Regardless of what it is called, it’s always the same, incredibly delicious yeasted, round sweet dumplings that are an absolute delight to have!
Secret Ingredient to Make It Perfectly Crunchy
Who doesn’t want the most crunchy and delicious Luqaimat? I know I do! And for that, I give you a secret trick that is guaranteed to give you the most perfectly crisp Luqaimat every single time.
Want to know what it is? Including mashed potato in the batter! Yes, you read that right!
We’ll only add 5 tablespoons of it, so don’t worry your Luqaimat won’t taste incredibly ‘potato-y’ at all. But what will happen is that the mashed potato will help give it an extra crunchy texture that’s completely unbeatable!
Trust me, you won’t get this same level of crunch from any other recipe. Try this to truly know what I mean!
What You Need to Make Luqaimat at Home
Making Luqaimat at home is easy, and you only need simple and minimal ingredients to make the best ones you’ve ever had! Here’s what you need to make them:
All-purpose flour: All you need is simple, plain ol’ all-purpose flour to make these delicious sweet dumplings at home.
Yeast: We’ll be using active dry yeast for this recipe and it will be used to leaven Luqaimat properly.
Sugar: Sugar is not added to sweeten Luqaimat as much as it’s added to activate the yeast. That’s why you’ll notice that we’re only added 1 ½ tsp of sugar for this whole recipe. This is because Luqaimat is usually sweetened with honey, date syrup, or a simple syrup which is poured on top.
Salt: We need just a pinch of salt to balance out all the flavors.
Potato: Like I mentioned above, we’ll be using 5 tbsp of mashed potatoes in this recipe which is the secret ingredient to give your Luqaimat the perfect crunchy texture!
Cardamom powder: Cardamom adds a beautifully herbal warmth and fragrance to the Luqaimat and really brings out all the flavors.
Saffron: Saffron adds a sweet, floral taste to the Luqaimat and takes it to a whole new level!
Water: We’ll be needing some lukewarm water to mix with the saffron and cardamom, and also some to activate the yeast with sugar.
Oil: We need oil for frying these delicious sweet dumplings to a perfect crisp. You can go for any flavorless, vegetable oil, I used sunflower oil.
How to Make Luqaimat Step by Step
If you follow my recipe, Luqaimat is incredibly easy to make. Here’s what you need to do to make them step by step:
To start, add ¼ cup of warm water to saffron and cardamom. Stir it all well and set it aside.
Next, in a large bowl sift flour with salt and keep it aside as well.
Now, in ¾ cup of warm water, add sugar and yeast. Keep it aside for 5 minutes so that the yeast can properly activate.
To the saffron and cardamom mixture, add the mashed potato and mix it all well together.
Add the previous mixture to the flour and mix with your hand or use a whisk. Gradually pour the yeast mixture into this bowl, and keep on stirring until the Luqaimat dough looks like cake batter.
Resting The Dough
Leave the dough batter to double in size. It may take 40 minutes to an hour depending on how hot or cold is your kitchen. After resting, the dough should have bubbles, and be somewhat bouncy.
Now whisk the dough batter for a few seconds.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat some vegetable oil for frying the Luqaimat. Take around a teaspoon from the dough batter, and carefully drop it in the oil.
If you notice that it floats quickly, the oil is too hot. If that happens, the Luqaimat will only cook from the outside and not properly from the inside.
Next, scoop the batter with your fingers by taking around ½ tablespoon from the batter. Use your thumb to push the batter off your fingers and into the oil. Alternatively, you can dip a spoon in cold oil then take ½ tablespoon from the batter and pour it into the hot oil.
After 1 minute of frying, move the dumplings around using a wooden spoon or spatula, this will make them cook evenly.
When the dumplings are light brown, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon, and place them on some paper towel.
Pour your favorite syrup on top. The syrup should be at room temperature.
Your Luqaimat is ready to be served! should serve these dumplings the same day you make them.
Tips for Making the Best Luqaimat Ever
- The smaller you make these sweet dumplings, the tastier they are. But you don’t need to make them too tiny. Aim for Luqaimat that’s 2 inches high and 2 inches wide for the perfect size.
- It’s important to fry these delicious, sweet dumplings the right way. If the oil is too hot, they’ll only cook from the outside. But if it’s not hot enough the dumplings will absorb all the oil, and you won’t enjoy them as much.
- When you start frying the Luqaimat, if you notice that it floats quickly, the oil is too hot.
- Serve your Luqaimat fresh to be able to enjoy the crunchy texture and true flavor of these incredible sweet dumplings.
- You can serve Luqaimat by drizzling on some date syrup, honey, or simple syrup.
Perfectly Crunchy Luqaimat
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoon sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 5 tablespoons mashed potato the secret of a lasting crunch
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- ½ teaspoon saffron
- 1 ¼ cup warm water
- Oil for deep frying I used sunflower
Instructions
- Add ¼ cup warm water to saffron and cardamom, mix and keep aside.
- Sift flour with salt and keep aside.
- In ¾ cup warm water, add sugar and yeast. Keep aside for 5 minutes.
- To the saffron and cardamom mixture add the mashed potato and mix well.
- Add the previous mixture to the flour and mix with your hand or a whisk. Gradually pour the yeast mixture and keep on stirring, until the batter looks like cake batter.
- Leave the batter to double in size, may take 40 minutes to an hour depending how hot or cold is your kitchen. After resting, the batter should have bubbles, and be somewhat bouncy.
- Whisk the batter for a few seconds.
- Heat oil. Take around a teaspoon from the batter, and carefully drop it in the oil, if it floats quickly, the oil is too hot.
- Scoop the batter with your fingers (take around ½ tablespoon from batter), use your thump to push the batter off your fingers and in the oil, or dip a spoon in cold oil then take ½ tablespoon from batter and pour it in the hot oil.
- After 1 minute of frying, move the dumplings around using a wooden spoon or spatula, this will make them cook evenly.
- When the dumplings are light brown, remove them from oil, and place them on kitchen paper.
- Pour your favorite syrup on top. The syrup should be at room temperature.
- You should serve these dumplings the same day you make them.
Video
Notes
- You can use honey instead of date syrup to pour over the luqaimat.
- Use any type of potatoes except sweet potatoes.
- Do not use olive oil or olive oil mixed with canola oil to fry the dumplings.
- This post was published in 2012 but is updated with more information and a video.
Where I grow up we have very similar pastry. These are just perfect and incredibly tasty looking, Muna! Thank you for sharing and have an amazing week ahead!
Thanks Sandra, It’s funny how different countries have many dishes looking alike or tasting a like 🙂
i am arabic girl, and i never tasted this before but seems delicious 😀
I guess it’s time you try them 🙂
Muna, I never try this before. It looks good. Anybody want to send me ?*wink*
I can send you some virtual sweet dumplings for now, but if we ever meet, I’ll make sure to make you some 🙂
A delicious treat! Those flavors are just heavenly.
Cheers,
Rosa
Thanks Rosa, I try to bring in some delightful dishes, from different parts of the world, so we all enjoy the versatile flavors!
They look delicious!
Thanks Pam 🙂
these look awesome.. mouthwatering
Hey Girl, thanks for coming over 🙂
Beautiful sweet dumplings, Muna. I think many countries have their version and I’d love to try every one…especially yours:)
Thank you dear,(blushing)…. 🙂
This is simply mouthwatering, Muna! Hope I can grab some right now!
That looks so fluffy and the glaze on top is stunning!
@Tina, maybe someday I’ll make some for you 🙂
@kankana, Glad that you liked it 🙂
These look picture-perfect; my grandmother who was Lebanese and had never left the country, would make these for the fest of Epiphany, in January; hers were also made with potato and were tiny, like marbles; I wish I could make mine like hers!
i read many recipes urs z perfect one…
Thank you Lubna, you’re so sweet 🙂
Thanks for sharing Muna, I tasted some about 8 years ago at a mid eastern gathering and since then been looking for the recipe. Now I know the name and how to make it. In Malaysia we have similar dumplings using baking soda instead. We have a variation of using bananas called kueh cucur or cocodok. But the taste of luqaimat is awesome! I can make a small batch and cook them in a waffle maker without using so much oil.
Masalama
You are most welcome. I guess every country has its own version. I’m glad that you liked my recipe 🙂
It would be perfect, if you also tell us about the calories in it.
Thank you.
Hi JJ,
It is difficult for me to calculate the calories in deep fried food, since I’m not sure how much oil it will absorb. All I can say is that these dumplings taste amazing and are high in calories so moderation is the key 🙂
Hi Muna! I have made these a lot before I see this recipe and they come up very good once came out doughy from inside and crunchy from outside and now I know why thx! and also you don’t have to put mashed potatoes it just makes it crunchy like how you said but thx for the secret and How many dumplings will this recipe have! Please I need it by today thanks!
Hi Fatima, I know why you want me to reply today 🙂 … Ramadan Mubarak to you and your family. The recipe will make around 40 but it really depends on how big or small you make them. There is another recipe for Luqaimat on my blog, it is easier and made in a blender, you can make it with hand too. There is no potato used in it, and it results in crunchy tasty luqaimat.
I made the dumplings as per your recipe and they taste yummilicious…thank you nuna:-)
You’re most welcome, glad you liked it 🙂
I just wanted to ask about this recipe. I am very new to cooking, and these have to be my favourite desert. My aunt makes them, but now that I’m abroad, I feel deprived and would like to give this a go myself. What do you mean by mashed potato? Do I just mash a potato, or actually make the dish (butter and all), mix that in. Please confirm!
Hi there, thanks for stopping by. You just need to mash the potato without adding anything to it. There is another version on my blog (Crunchy Sweet Dumplings) it has no potato and you can make the batter in a blender. Hope you enjoy making Luqaimat 🙂
Hello Muna,
can I use instant yeast instead of dry. Please share which brands you use for yeast. I have lots of trouble finding one. I prefer using Alali instant yeast.
thank you.
Hi Leena, of course you can use instant yeast, I use it all the time and it works the same. I use Saf Instant yeast.
can I bake these luqaimat. can you please share a receipe for baking these luqaimat?
I’m sorry Luqaimat can not be baked!
Good Gods, these look GOOD!
My neighbours are Syrian and are always treating us
to homemade foods. Never had these. Will have to make
them and offer some to them. Thanks for the Rx!
These are mostly served in the Month of Ramadan and is very popular, hope you enjoy the recipe.
Excellent. Have you ever tried putting the dough in a water bottle and cutting a hole in the lid, you squeeze them out, cut with scissors into the oil and they are perfectly round puffs of glory
I have seen many do it but I didn’t try it. Will give it a go soon 🙂
Thank you so much for this recipe. It was amazing. The crunch is perfect.
You are most welcome ☺