Luqaimat, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert, are fried sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup or honey. Originating from the Arabian Peninsula, they have been enjoyed for centuries, offering a delightful blend of crunchy exterior and soft, airy interior. With roots deeply embedded in Arab culinary heritage, luqaimat remain a beloved treat enjoyed during special occasions and everyday gatherings.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon instant yeast

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 3/4 cup warm water

- Vegetable oil for frying

- Date syrup or honey for drizzling

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.

2. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a smooth batter forms.

3. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the batter rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, allowing it to rise.

4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.

5. Once the oil is hot, use a spoon to scoop small portions of the batter and drop them carefully into the oil.

6. Fry the dumplings until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and cooked through inside, about 3-4 minutes.

7. Remove the fried dumplings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

8. Drizzle with date syrup or honey generously before serving.

9. Enjoy your delicious luqaimat as a sweet dessert or snack!

Nutrition Value:

1. All-purpose flour (1 cup):

  - Calories: 455

  - Carbohydrates: 95g

  - Protein: 13g

  - Fat: 1g

  - Sodium: 2mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin.

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and calcium.

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides energy from carbohydrates and some protein. Contains small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals.

2. Instant yeast (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 7

  - Carbohydrates: 1.4g

  - Protein: 2.3g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Sodium: 0.5mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins, particularly niacin (vitamin B3).

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium and phosphorus.

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides a source of protein and B vitamins, aiding in dough fermentation for the rise of the dumplings.

3. Sugar (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 49

  - Carbohydrates: 12.6g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamin content.

  - Minerals: No significant mineral content.

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides sweetness and aids in browning of the dumplings. Supplies quick energy from simple carbohydrates.

4. Salt (1/4 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 581mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamin content.

  - Minerals: Provides sodium, which is essential for fluid balance and nerve function.

  - Nutritional benefits: Enhances flavor and helps to balance the sweetness in the dumplings. Sodium is essential for various bodily functions.

5. Warm water (3/4 cup):

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamin content.

  - Minerals: No significant mineral content.

  - Nutritional benefits: Hydrates the dough and facilitates gluten development, aiding in the dough's elasticity and structure.

6. Vegetable oil for frying:

  - Calories: 120 (per tablespoon)

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 14g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamin content.

  - Minerals: No significant mineral content.

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides fat for frying, which adds texture and flavor to the dumplings. Moderation is key due to its high calorie content.

7. Date syrup or honey for drizzling:

  - Calories: 61 (per tablespoon of date syrup) / 64 (per tablespoon of honey)

  - Carbohydrates: 16g (date syrup) / 17g (honey)

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1mg (date syrup) / 1mg (honey)

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of various B vitamins and vitamin C.

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium.

  - Nutritional benefits: Adds sweetness and moisture to the dumplings. Date syrup and honey also provide antioxidants and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.