Discover how to make Luqaimat, the popular Middle Eastern sweet dough balls that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfectly fried and drizzled with rich date syrup or honey, these golden treats are a delightful dessert or snack. Follow our easy recipe for a taste of this traditional delicacy.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup warm water

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/4 cup plain yogurt

- 1/2 cup date syrup or honey, for drizzling

- Oil, for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.

  - Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.

  - Stir in the vanilla extract and yogurt until fully combined. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Let the Dough Rise:

  - Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it sit in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the batter has doubled in size and is bubbly.

Fry the Luqaimat:

  - Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. The oil should be about 2-3 inches deep.

  - Once the oil is hot, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil. Fry in batches, without overcrowding the pan.

  - Fry until the Luqaimat are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.

Serve:

  - Drizzle warm date syrup or honey over the fried Luqaimat. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and crispy.

Enjoy these sweet and savory Luqaimat as a perfect treat for any occasion!

Nutritional values

Here's a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values and benefits for the ingredients in your recipe:

All-Purpose Flour - 1 cup

 - Calories: 455

 - Fat: 1.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 95g

 - Protein: 13g

Benefits:

 - Provides a base for the recipe with carbohydrates for energy.

 - Can be used as a source of essential nutrients in moderation.

Sugar - 1 tablespoon

 - Calories: 49

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 13g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness and enhances flavor.

 - Should be used sparingly to manage calorie intake.

Active Dry Yeast - 1/2 teaspoon

 - Calories: 8

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits:

 - Helps with the leavening of dough, giving it a light texture.

 - Contains some B vitamins and protein.

Salt - 1/4 teaspoon

 - Sodium: 575 mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor and is necessary for bodily functions in small amounts.

 - Should be used in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Warm Water - 1/2 cup

 - Calories: 0

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Hydrates ingredients and helps activate the yeast.

Ground Cardamom (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon

 - Calories: 3

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.

 - May have digestive and antioxidant benefits.

Vanilla Extract - 1/2 teaspoon

 - Calories: 6

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor with minimal calories.

 - Contains antioxidants.

Plain Yogurt - 1/4 cup

 - Calories: 37

 - Fat: 1.5g

 - Carbohydrates: 4g

 - Protein: 3g

Benefits:

 - Provides protein and calcium.

 - Contributes to the texture and flavor of the dough.

Date Syrup or Honey, for Drizzling - 1/2 cup

 - Calories: 515

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 139g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits:

 - Adds natural sweetness and flavor.

 - Provides trace amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Oil, for Frying

 - Calories: 120 per tablespoon

 - Fat: 14g

Benefits:

 - Essential for frying and creating a crispy texture.

 - Provides fat, which can be part of a balanced diet when used in moderation.

This recipe includes ingredients that provide essential nutrients and flavors. The flour and sugar create the base for the dough, while the yeast helps it rise. The optional cardamom and vanilla extract add aromatic flavors. The yogurt contributes to texture and nutritional value. Date syrup or honey adds natural sweetness, and oil is used for frying to achieve a crispy texture. Be mindful of portion sizes, especially with sugar and oil, to manage calorie intake and maintain a balanced diet.