Mandazi (African Donuts)
User Reviews
4.9
Mandazi (African Donuts)
Description
Mandazi (African Donuts) are a traditional fried bread delicacy made by mixing all-purpose flour with instant yeast, baking powder, and warm milk to create a dough enriched with sugar, an egg, and fragrant spices such as cardamom and cinnamon. After kneading and resting, the dough is rolled out to a thin rectangle and cut into triangle shapes. These triangles are allowed to rest briefly before being fried in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. The frying process cooks the dough quickly, developing a golden exterior with a soft and airy inside.
The inclusion of both yeast and baking powder provides a tender, slightly airy crumb with a delicate crumb texture, while the warm milk and egg contribute to a rich dough. Cardamom and cinnamon add gentle warmth and spice that enhance the subtle sweetness from the sugar. Fried mandazi have a crisp outside and pillowy inside, making them a satisfying snack or breakfast item.
Mandazi are best served warm and can be accompanied by tea, coffee, or fruit preserves. Their moderate sweetness and mild spices make them versatile for pairing with various hot beverages or as a street snack. Their size and shape make them easy to handle or share.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 5 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup milk lukewarm
- ½ cup water
- 1 egg
- cooking oil for frying
Instructions
- Place lukewarm water in a bowl then add the yeast to it. Set aside for 5 minutes.
- Add sugar, egg, milk and stir well. Add the flour 1 cup at a time, cinnamon, cardamom and salt then stir to form a dough, that comes together and is easily handled.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it is soft and smooth.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for about 10 minutes.
- Flour a board then form dough into a board and place on it. Roll out into a rectangle that is ¼ inch thick. Cut the rolled out dough into squares then cut the squares across into triangles.
- Let the cut-out dough rest for 20 minutes.
- Heat the oil for frying in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Flatten each triangle dough with your hands and gently place into the hot oil.
- Fry the mandazi for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
- Serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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