Luqaimat (Emirati Date Syrup Dumplings)
Local name: لقيمات
In short: Crisp-shelled dumplings with soft, airy centers, fried from a cardamom and saffron batter and drizzled with date syrup. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 310 kcal
Luqaimat are small, crisp dumplings that Emiratis fry in huge batches during Ramadan and Eid. A loose, yeasted batter scented with cardamom and saffron is dropped into hot oil, where it puffs into golden spheres with soft, airy centers. They are drizzled with date syrup while still hot and eaten at once. The traditional way to shape them is to squeeze the batter out through a ring made with the thumb and forefinger.
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, cornflour, sugar, yeast, salt and cardamom in a large bowl. Add the yogurt, saffron water and lukewarm water and whisk for 2 to 3 minutes into a very thick, sticky batter that falls from the whisk in a heavy ribbon.
- Cover and leave in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled and full of bubbles. Stir it down gently once.
- Heat the oil in a deep pan to 175°C (350°F). Keep a bowl of water and a small spoon beside you.
- Wet your hand, scoop some batter into your fist and squeeze it out through the ring of your thumb and forefinger. Cut each ball off into the oil with a wet spoon. Fry 6 to 8 at a time.
- Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning them often, until deep golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Drizzle with date syrup, scatter with sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Tips
- Two wet teaspoons work as well as your hand. Scoop with one and push the batter off with the other, dipping both in water between balls.
- Keep the oil at 175°C (350°F). If it is too cool the dumplings absorb oil and turn heavy, and if it is too hot the outside browns before the center cooks.
Questions and answers
How do I keep luqaimat crisp?
Serve them within 20 minutes of frying and add the syrup at the last moment. The cornflour in the batter also helps the shell stay crisp.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes. Mix it, let it rise once, then refrigerate it for up to 12 hours. Stir it gently and fry it straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of date syrup?
Honey, or a sugar syrup flavored with a little saffron and cardamom. Date syrup (dibs) has a deeper, caramel-like taste, so it is worth seeking out.
How long does it take to make Luqaimat (Emirati Date Syrup Dumplings)?
About 35 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Luqaimat (Emirati Date Syrup Dumplings)?
About 310 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 310 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
