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5.0 from 3 votes

Mandazi

Mandazi are traditional spiced coconut-flavored donuts from the Swahili coast, which includes Tanzania, Mozambique and Kenya.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: African

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • 1 egg , lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup warm water (about)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter , softened
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, ginger and cinnamon blend
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • vegetable oil (for frying)
  • sugar (or icing sugar), to cover

Instructions

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  1. An hour before starting, prepare all the ingredients at room temperature.
  2. Mix the yeast with 4 tablespoons of warm water (about 90 F / 33 C). Wait for 5 minutes.
  3. Combine beaten egg, coconut milk, butter and sugar and beat well.
  4. Mix the flour, cayenne pepper and spices.
  5. In the bowl of a mixer or in a large mixer, place the flour mixture and spices.
  6. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast.
  7. Gradually incorporate the coconut milk, butter, egg and sugar.
  8. Finally, add warm water gradually until reaching a smooth and elastic dough.
  9. Once the ingredients are well mixed and the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, knead for about 5 minutes at medium speed.
  10. If kneading by hand, since the ingredients are well mixed and the dough has taken shape, transfer it to a floured flat surface and knead for 10 minutes.
  11. Put the dough in a large container, cover and let rest and rise for 45 minutes in a place away from drafts.
  12. Divide the dough into equal balls and, using the rolling pin, flatten the balls in a ½ inch (1,25 cm) thick round shape.
  13. Using a sharp knife or cookie cutter, divide dough into triangles or form traditional donuts (small circles with a hole in the center).
  14. Place the donuts on a floured surface.
  15. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes.
  16. Heat oil over medium-high heat and fry the mandazis until golden brown.
  17. Remove and place on paper towels or a metal colander to remove excess oil.
  18. Sprinkle with sugar or icing sugar or eat as is.
  19. Serve immediately after frying.