Loukoumades

اللقيمات

“Golden fried dough balls soaked in honey — absolutely addictive.”

Prep 20 min (plus resting) · Cook 20 min · Serves 24–30 balls · Difficulty Easy · Origin: Throughout Mediterranean and Middle East (Morocco version)

Small balls of dough, deep-fried until puffed and golden, then immediately dunked in honey syrup. Loukoumades are sold by street vendors throughout Morocco and are a beloved street snack.

Ingredients · Serves 24–30 balls

• all-purpose flour300g
• instant yeast1 packet (7g)
• warm water200ml
• sugar1 tbsp
• salt¼ tsp
• Oil for deep frying
• honey200ml
• sesame seeds2 tbsp
• cinnamon½ tsp

The Recipe

1. 1.Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
2. 2.Gradually add warm water, stirring into a sticky batter (thicker than pancake batter, thinner than cookie dough).
3. 3.Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
4. 4.Heat oil to 180°C in a deep pot.
5. 5.Using two spoons or a lemon juicer, form ball-sized portions of batter and drop into hot oil.
6. 6.Fry 2–3 minutes per side until puffed and golden.
7. 7.Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into warm honey.
8. 8.Remove to a plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds and cinnamon.

Chef's Tips

• The batter should be quite sticky — don't over-knead.
• Don't overcrowd the pan — fry only 3–4 at a time.
• Have the honey ready and warm — cold honey doesn't coat as well.