Pamper your Sweet Tooth with Abu Dhabi Dessert Legaimat

by Haley James

366 Kcal

Protein 11.9g
Carbohydrates 68.9g
Fat 4.52g

Easy cooking

20 min

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is an incredible place full of wonders. Annually, it draws an influx of tourists by its glistening skyscrapers, buzzing souks, and azure beaches. Visiting this generous and hospitable city gives an invaluable opportunity to witness and participate in authentic Emirati culture and heritage. Still, the only true way to soak up Abu Dhabi atmosphere is to dive straight into the delectable local food. The bustling city offers a wide variety of dining options selling cuisines from all over the world. From street-side cafes and dessert venues to fancy restaurants – Abu Dhabi is like a melting pot of different flavors. Still, if you’re craving for real traditional Emirati food, try out one of its flavorful and aromatic desserts, Legaimat. Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe presents a thorough recipe to cook restaurant-quality legaimats at home in just 20 minutes. Follow these simple steps and enjoy your meal.

Where to try

Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe - Yas Mall

#295 of 9500 restaurants in Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates

Address: The Fountains, Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe presents a thorough recipe to cook restaurant-quality legaimats at home in just 20 minutes.

Crunchy Sweet Dumplings - Traditional Emirati Dessert Legaimat

Traditional Emirati Dessert Legaimat

The favorite Arabic dessert Lagaimat takes its name from the word Logma, which means “little bites” or “small pieces of food”. In fact, these are small sweet dumplings that are fried to a crunchy texture and served with dates syrup or honey. Such delicious fritters, soft and fluffy inside, are especially popular during the month of Ramadan. The recipe for Legaimat is surprisingly straightforward and requires a minimal number of ingredients. Just a little warning before you start: they are seriously addictive, be careful!

Cooking directions

Ingredients

320g of all purpose flour
250ml of warm water
20g of sugar
5g of salt
¼ teaspoon of instant yeast
1 pinch of saffron for color
For garnish:
1 tablespoon of dates syrup (optional)
1 tablespoon of agave nectar (optional)
1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
½ teaspoon of roasted seasme seeds
sunflower oil

Step 1. Before preparing the dough, soak the saffron in 50 ml of warm water. Then, in a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in 250ml of warm water and add the instant yeast. The sugar is necessary to activate the yeast, not to sweeten the dessert. Stir everything well and leave for fifteen minutes.

Step 2. When bubbles are formed in the mixture, add the flour and salt. Mix intensively for about 2 minutes, then add the soaked saffron, and keep mixing until it becomes sticky and elastic. Wrap the bowl with cling film and cover with a towel. Set it aside for 1 hour at room temperature.

Step 3. Take a large skillet or saucepan and heat some oil for frying dumplings. Make a small ball by taking ½ tablespoon from the batter and drop it in the oil. Be sure to dip your fingers in some oil before forming the ball. Fry Lagaimat for about 1 minute, then using a wooden spoon or an oil strainer, move the dumplings in a circular motion to make them cook evenly.

Step 4. Once the dough balls get golden brown, take them out from the oil and put on a paper towel. Plate the dessert as you desire, pour some syrup or honey on top, sprinkle with the roasted seasme seeds.

Throughout generations, Arabic cuisine has been catching tourists’ fancy with its unique combination of taste and flavor. Legaimat, shawarma, chebab, khuzi – any of these scrumptious dishes you can enjoy in Abu Dhabi. Pamper your gourmet senses with traditional Emirati food and find a perfect dining place on our website list.