Luqaimat, a traditional Emirati dessert often enjoyed with Arabic coffee.

Aisha Hamad AlMidfa

Luqaimat is a well-known traditional Emirati dessert that many Emiratis and non-Emiratis indulge in. It is a crowd’s favourite at parties, gatherings, weddings, and during the holy month of Ramadan.

Luqaimat is widely enjoyed with Arabic coffee, but it can be enjoyed without it as well. It is doughy and airy, making it a light dessert, especially when complemented by date molasses or date syrup. For better precision try not making the dough batter too runny so that you have more control over shaping the batter when frying.

 A plate of delicious luqaimat.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp corn flour

2 tsp powdered milk

2 tsp yeast

2 tsp sugar

1 tsp saffron

A pinch of salt

2 tsp oil

1 egg

2 cups water

1 cup yoghurt

Sesame seeds

Date molasses or date syrup

  One of the methods for shaping the batter.

Method

1. Mix the yeast and sugar with 2 tsp of water first, so the yeast has time to become activated.
2. Combine all the liquid ingredients in separate mixing bowl: oil, egg, yoghurt, and water.
3. Combine all the dry ingredients in another mixing bowl: all-purpose flour, corn flour, powdered milk, salt, and saffron. Add the liquid ingredients and the yeast and sugar to the dry ingredients. Cover it and let it rest for an hour.
4. Heat some oil to deep fry the dough while simultaneously shaping the dough into small balls and dropping them into the oil. It has to be done simultaneously because the dough batter is a bit runny. There are many methods for shaping the dough either by a spoon, or by hand, or by other food gadgets.
5. Once golden brown then it can be served on a platter. Drizzle some date molasses and sesame seeds on top and enjoy while it is hot.

Aisha is an intern with Gulf Today. She covers the Emirati community, culture, and food.