Easy Lokma / Luqaimat recipe & how to make a Lokma machine

by Danni B
Luqaimat also known as Logma drizzled in date syrup served in a bowl, traditional food of uae and arabic desserts

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

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

150g (1 cup) corn flour (corn starch if you’re American)
65g (1/2 cup) milk powder
250ml (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, honey or maple syrup for sauce/topping depending on your preference!
Sesame seeds for topping (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 mix
5. Slowly add the warm water, little by little 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 ones
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!


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

ashok August 11, 2021 - 8:20 am

Thanks For Sharing this amazing recipe. My family loved it. I will be sharing this recipe with my friends. Hope the will like it.

Reply
Danni B August 15, 2021 - 12:04 pm

Thank you! Glad you liked it and hope your friends like to too!

Reply

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