Looking for an easy and tasty Lokma recipe? This is my favourite one! Called Lugaimat in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this popular dessert has many names depending on the region or country!
Some of the names include Lokma, Logma, Loukoumades, Luqaimat and Luqma.
These yummy small and sweet fried balls are a great tasty treat that you definitely should try! I would describe them as fluffier mini doughnuts but be careful, they’re addictive!
Luqaimat can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, where they were served to Olympians. These days they’re commonly served at gatherings, during Ramadan and other special times. These little fried balls are popular in the whole of the Arabian Gulf and Middle East. They also go really well coffee!
In Arabic the word Luqaimat means, “small bites” and in Turkish “Lokma” means mouthful.
What kitchenware and utensils do I need?
You will need the following:
– A mixing bowl
– Whisk or spoon for mixing
– Pan suitable for deep frying
– Luqaimat Machine (Bought or home-made like the one below)
A brand I really love in the kitchen is Joseph & Joseph! Their colourful cookware not only looks great but is amazingly designed. Many of their features making cooking so much easier
They offer free International delivery when spending over the minimum depending on your country to over 100 countries plus products come with a minimum 2 years guarantee
You can also easily order their items from Selfridges here (Selfridges offer free UK delivery and International Delivery plus sell many other items including high-end beauty, designer clothes, electronics and more)
How to make your Luqaimat maker / machine
Firstly there are two kinds, there is a specific griddle pan and a second one which is a batter dispenser. The one we’re making is the batter dispenser. If you’d rather just have the specific tool, instead of making your own, you can buy it from here:
Luqaimat Batter Dispenser
If you need to make Lokma today and don’t want to wait for your dispenser to arrive. Here is a way to make a cheap and easy version of your own!
All you’ll need:
Small plastic water bottle
Scissors
Instructions:
1) Take the empty bottle and with the scissors poke a hole just below the base of the bottle
2) Cut around the plastic bottle so that the base comes off completely
3) Remove the bottom
Now you have your Logma/Luqaimat machine! Yes it’s that simple and easy!
How do I use my self made Lokma / Luqaimat machine?
Now that you’ve got your homemade Luqiamat machine! It’s just as simple to use as it is to make!
You’ll need:
Spoon
Small sharp knife
Your Luqaimat machine
Your dough (For the dough recipe scroll further down)
Hot oil for frying
Instructions:
1) Hold the neck of the bottle with the larger end upwards
2) Take the spoon and spoon in the dough, fill it to the top
3) Pick up the knife and Lokma “machine”
4) Hold the bottle over the hot oil
5) Once approx 1 inch (3cm) is hanging, take the knife and slice it so it drops into the hot oil
The weight of the dough will push itself down, as you get towards the end. You may need to use the spoon to push the dough down.
Lokma / Luqaimat Recipe Variations
Mine is based on the Emirati recipe. This is where I first tried them and Luqaimat is a large part of the Emirati food culture.
Typically they add cardamon to really give it that extra flavor and I love cardamon, so for me it makes them even yummier! Though you can leave it out if you prefer. Saffron can also be added if you want to make them extra luxurious.
Traditionally they’re served covered with date syrup. Some choose to add cheese inside, others drizzle honey. I’ve also had it drizzled with chocolate sauce and cheese sauce too.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe and you can rate it in the comment section below!
Emirati Luqaimat Recipe
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 pan for deep frying
- 1 lugaimat machine (or make you're own with a plastic bottle above)
- 1 spoon (for putting the mixture into the machine)
Ingredients
- 300 g corn flour (corn starch)
- 130 g milk powder
- 500 ml warm water
- 2 tsp yeast
- 6-8 cardamom pods ground up or cardamom powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- oil of choice (for deep frying)
Toppings
- date syrup (to drizzle over)
- sesame seeds (to sprinkle over)
Instructions
Making the dough
- Sieve the flour into a mixing bowl
- Sieve in the milk powder
- Add the yeast, ground caradmom, sugar and pinch of salt
- Give all the dry ingredients a mix
- Slowly add the warm water while stirring
- Keep mixing until it's all combined
- Cover and leave it to rise for 1 hour
Frying the lugauimat
- Heat the oil on medium-high
- Once hot, turn it down to medium
- Spoon the mixture into the lugaimat machine
- Drop the 3 cm balls (1 inch) into the hot oil
- As they turn golden brown, flip them to cook both sides
- Once fully golden brown, remove them with a strainer from the oil
- Repeat until all the dough is used
- Place in a bowl and drizzle in date syrup
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds
Notes
Want to know more about Emirati and Arabic food? Check out our article:
What is the traditional food of the UAE?
9 amazing Arabic desserts you must try!
Enjoyed this recipe? Make sure to try another!
How to make authentic Karak tea at home
Make this simple but yummy Mahalabia (milk pudding) recipe
I hope you’ve enjoyed my Lokma / Luqaimat recipe! Make sure to leave us a comment on how you got on with the recipe. Do you like yours with cardamon? What are your best tips for Luqaimat? Let us know!
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2 comments
Thanks For Sharing this amazing recipe. My family loved it. I will be sharing this recipe with my friends. Hope the will like it.
Thank you! Glad you liked it and hope your friends like to too!