Guides to Dubai

Looking for an easy and tasty Lokma recipe? This is my personal favorite 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 fried mini doughnuts. Also, 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 means, “small bites” and in Turkish “Lokma” meaning mouthful. Now let’s get to the Lokma recipe!

Want to know more about Emirati food? Check out our article:
What is the traditional food of the UAE?

Want to try another recipe?
How to make authentic Karak tea at home

How to make your Lokma machine / maker

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 sold via Amazon

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

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! I love cardamon so for me it makes them even yummier! Though you can leave this out if you prefer. Traditionally they’re served covered with date syrup.

Ingredients:
1 cup corn flour (corn starch if you’re American)
1/2 cup milk powder
1 cup warm water
1 tsp dried yeast
3-4 cardamon pods with the seeds ground up
Pinch of salt
Pinch of sugar
Oil for frying
Date syrup or Maple syrup for sauce
Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:
1) Sieve the flour and milk powder into a mixing bowl
2) Add the yeast
3) Add the cardamon
4) Add the pinch of salt and sugar and stir
5) Slowly add the warm water and keep stirring
6) Mix well until it is completely combined
7) Cover the dough and leave it to rise somewhere warm for one hour

Your dough is now ready!

8) Heat the oil on medium high
9) Once it’s hot enough, turn it down to medium
10) Take your Lokma machine and spoon in the mixture
11) Drop the 3cm (1 inch) balls into the hot oil
12) As they turn golden brown on one side, use a utensil to turn them over to cook the other side
13) Once they’re fully golden brown, use a strainer to remove the cooked one
14) Repeat the process until all of them are cooked
15) Cover in the syrup of your choice and sprinkle with sesame seeds

They are definitely best enjoyed fresh, so eat them right away!

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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