Awamat
Light, crispy fried dough balls soaked in orange blossom syrup — Lebanon's answer to doughnut holes, beloved at street festivals and family gatherings.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Instant yeast
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1.5 cups Warm water
- 4 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups Sugar (for syrup)
- 1 cup Water (for syrup)
- 2 tbsp Orange blossom water
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
Instructions
- Make the syrup first: Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved, then simmer for 5 minutes. Add lemon juice and orange blossom water. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm water and stir vigorously until a smooth, sticky batter forms.
- Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled and bubbly.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 175°C (350°F).
- Using two wet spoons (or a small cookie scoop dipped in water), drop rounded spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.
- Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately dip into the cooled syrup. Let them soak for 30 seconds.
- Serve warm, piled on a plate. They are best eaten immediately.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Awamat?
Light, crispy fried dough balls soaked in orange blossom syrup — Lebanon's answer to doughnut holes, beloved at street festivals and family gatherings.
Where is Awamat from?
Awamat comes from Lebanese Coastal. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Awamat vegetarian or vegan?
As written, Awamat uses only plant-based ingredients, so it is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Always double-check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour in Awamat?
The all-purpose flour called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Awamat its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Awamat?
In a Lebanese desserts spread, Awamat is served at the end of a meal or with afternoon coffee or tea. A little extra syrup or nuts on top is traditional where the recipe calls for them.
Can I make Awamat ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Most components can be prepared ahead. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture; syrups and nut toppings are best added or refreshed close to serving.