Awama (Luqaimat) — Crisp Syrup-Dipped Dough Balls

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp yeast
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/3 cup plain yogurt
• A pinch of salt
• Warm water, as needed for the dough
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• Syrup (qater) to dip the awama
• More desserts from Israa: Chocolate Cheesecake

Method

1. Mix the ingredients until you have a soft, elastic batter-like dough.
2. Let it rise until slightly puffy.
3. Heat plenty of oil, then drop small balls of dough into the hot oil.
4. Fry the awama until they look cooked through, then remove and drain.
5. Once drained, chill them briefly in the refrigerator until cool.
6. Fry the awama again in hot oil until golden — frying in two stages is the secret to their crispness.
7. Remove from oil and immediately dip the awama in cold syrup for about one minute.
8. Drain and serve.