Degchi
Small, golden yeasted dough balls deep-fried until crisp outside and fluffy inside, then drenched in date syrup or sugar syrup and sesame seeds. The signature Ramadan sweet across the Gulf, eaten warm straight from the pan.
Quick answer: 105 min in total · serves 4 · main ingredients: All-purpose flour, Instant dry yeast, Sugar, Cooking oil · amounts in metric and US
Ingredients
- 250 g 2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp 1 tsp Instant dry yeast
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp Sugar
- 500 ml 2 cup Cooking oil, for deep-frying
- 4 tbsp 4 tbsp Dates, date syrup, for drizzling (or sugar syrup)
- 1 pinch 1 pinch Saffron (Optional)
- 1 pinch 1 pinch Salt (Optional)
Steps
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- Whisk the flour, yeast, sugar, saffron and salt with about 250 ml of warm water into a thick, smooth batter that falls from the spoon in a slow ribbon. Add a little more water if it is too stiff.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in a warm place for 60 minutes until puffy.⏱ Dough rising · 60 min
- Heat the oil to about 175°C (350°F) for deep frying. Dip a spoon in water and scoop small walnut-sized portions, or squeeze them out through your fist, into the oil.
- Fry in small batches, turning once, for 3 to 4 minutes per batch until golden brown all over; do not crowd the pot or the oil cools and the balls turn greasy.⏱ Frying · 4 min
- Lift the luqaimat out with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
- While still warm, drizzle generously with date syrup so it soaks in, scatter sesame seeds on top and serve at once.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Luqaimat take?
105 minutes in total: about 90 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking.
Is Luqaimat hard to make?
Degchi rates it easy. The method has 6 steps, and 2 of them have a timer you can start on this page.
How many people does Luqaimat serve?
This recipe serves 4. Use the toggle above the ingredient list to see the amounts in metric or US measures. For more or fewer portions, scale every amount in the same proportion, or use the servings control in the Degchi app.
Is Luqaimat halal, vegetarian or eggless?
It is marked halal in our recipe data. It is vegetarian. It has no egg. It has no beef. Check the labels on any packaged ingredients for your own needs.
What will I probably need to buy for Luqaimat?
Everyday staples that Degchi counts as pantry basics: instant dry yeast, cooking oil, dates. Lentils, grains and other dry goods: all-purpose flour, sugar.
Any tips for making Luqaimat?
Batter check: it should be thick yet loose and sticky. If the balls come out dense, the batter was too stiff or the yeast did not rise for the full hour. Use a neutral oil, not olive oil, and keep it near 175°C; a thermometer helps, or test with a drop of batter that should bubble and rise at once.
Notes and questions
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