Mandazi Recipe – Spiced East African Donuts
User Reviews
4.7
Mandazi Recipe – Spiced East African Donuts
Description
This Mandazi recipe is a yeast-raised dough enriched with coconut milk, sugar, egg, and warming spices like cardamom and cinnamon. The yeast is activated in warm water, then mixed with dry ingredients and liquids to form a soft dough that rises for about an hour. The leavening produces a tender crumb with a slight chew post-frying.
The dough is portioned, rolled thinly to about one centimeter thickness, and cut into traditional triangle shapes or alternative forms. Deep frying at approximately 350°F cooks the dough quickly, creating a crisp, golden crust while maintaining a light, airy inside. Monitoring oil temperature ensures even cooking without burning.
Mandazi are best enjoyed fresh for their crispness but can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore texture. Their mildly spiced, sweet nature suits them for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, often paired with tea or coffee.
Notes emphasize careful dough rising for the ideal airy texture, uniform shaping for even cooking, and proper oil temperature for the best results.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- ½ cup water about 110°F, warm
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ½ cup sugar
- vegetable oil for frying donuts
Instructions
- In a small bowl mix the yeast and warm water and stir. Let sit for 5 minutes until yeast dissolves.
- In the bowl of your mixer, add the flour, salt, cardamom, cinnamon and mix. Add the vegetable oil, egg, coconut milk, sugar and yeast mixture. Using the hook attachment mix everything until the dough is not too sticky and it no longer stick to the side of the bowl, add additional flour as needed.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rest for about an hour until the dough rises a bit.
- Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a deep frying pan to around 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough in—if it sizzles and rises to the top, you’re good to go.
- Cut the dough in about 6 pieces to make it easier to roll and cut. Roll each piece so that the dough is about 1 cm (less than ½ inch) in thickness. Cut each piece into 6 triangles or any other fun shape you prefer.
- Fry the donuts in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and cook on both sides until golden brown. Once done, transfer the Mandazi to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining dough until all the Mandazi are perfectly fried.
- Sprinkle with powder sugar and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the dough rises fully to achieve the soft and airy texture characteristic of Mandazi.
- Cut dough into similar-sized pieces to promote even frying and consistent doneness.
- Maintain frying oil at about 350°F; if too hot, the dough will brown outside before cooking through inside.
- Mandazi are best eaten fresh; reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer to regain crispness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 36Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 74 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1donut | |
| Calories | 74kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 35mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 22mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 8IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.05mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 4mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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