Lugaimat, a delectable Middle Eastern treat, features deep-fried dough balls, akin to luqaimat, served with luscious date syrup. This indulgent delicacy traces its roots back through centuries of Arabian culinary tradition, cherished for its simplicity and delightful flavor. The recipe involves creating a soft dough, shaping it into small balls, frying until golden brown, and finally drizzling generously with sweet date syrup, resulting in a mouthwatering dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup warm water

- Vegetable oil for frying

- Date syrup for serving

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.

2. Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).

4. Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.

5. Fry the dough balls until they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside, about 2-3 minutes per batch.

6. Remove the fried dough balls using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

7. Serve the lugaimat hot, drizzled generously with date syrup for a sweet and indulgent treat. Enjoy!

Nutrition Value:

1. 1 cup all-purpose flour:

- Calories: Approximately 455 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 95 grams

- Protein: Approximately 13 grams

- Fat: Approximately 1.5 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 2 milligrams

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Nutritional Benefit: All-purpose flour is a good source of carbohydrates and provides a moderate amount of protein. It also contains small amounts of essential minerals like iron and zinc.

2. 1 teaspoon baking powder:

- Calories: Approximately 5 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 500 milligrams

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Nutritional Benefit: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the dough to rise and become fluffy when fried. It does not provide significant nutritional benefits but aids in the texture of the final product.

3. 1/4 teaspoon salt:

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 590 milligrams

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Nutritional Benefit: Salt enhances the flavor of the lugaimat dough. However, excessive sodium intake should be moderated for those with dietary restrictions.

4. 1 tablespoon granulated sugar:

- Calories: Approximately 49 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 12.6 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 1 milligram

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Nutritional Benefit: Granulated sugar provides sweetness to the dough and contributes to its golden color when fried. It's a source of quick energy but should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

5. 1/2 cup warm water:

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Sodium: 0 milligrams

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Nutritional Benefit: Water is essential for hydrating the dough and forming the desired consistency. It does not contribute significant nutrients but aids in the preparation process.

6. Vegetable oil for frying:

- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per tablespoon

- Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: Approximately 14 grams

- Sodium: 0 milligrams

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Nutritional Benefit: Vegetable oil provides the necessary fat for frying the lugaimat, resulting in a crispy texture. While high in calories, it contains unsaturated fats, which can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.

7. Date syrup for serving:

- Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per 1/4 cup

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 72 grams

- Protein: Approximately 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 10 milligrams

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Nutritional Benefit: Date syrup adds sweetness and richness to the lugaimat. It's a natural sweetener and a source of energy. Additionally, it contains some vitamins and minerals, including potassium and magnesium, although in smaller amounts compared to whole dates.