Mandazi (African Donuts)
Discover the joy of making Mandazi, the beloved East African treat, with our simple and delightful recipe. These light, airy, and slightly sweet doughnuts are a staple in Kenyan, Tanzanian, and Ugandan cuisines and perfect for any time of the day. Whether you're craving a warm breakfast, a midday snack, or a light dessert, Mandazi will hit the spot with its subtle sweetness and wonderfully soft texture.
Equipment
- 1 Large Bowl
- 1 Roller
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup fine white sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 quarts vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Combine milk, vegetable oil, sugar, egg, instant yeast, salt, and cardamom in a large bowl. Mix in the flour 1 cup at a time until the dough comes together and is easily handled.
- Knead the dough on a flat work surface until it’s no longer sticky. Return the dough to the bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it’s doubled in size.
- Press the dough down gently. Knead it briefly, then divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Keep the dough balls covered with a cloth to prevent the dough from drying.
- Roll each dough ball into a ⅓-inch-thick circle on a floured work surface. Cut each circle into 4 triangles using a pizza cutter. Cover with a cloth.
- Heat 2-inches of oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan over medium heat.
- Working in batches, fry the dough in the hot oil for 1 to 2 minutes or until puffed. Flip the dough and continue frying until golden brown. Transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Notes
Adapted from AllRecipes.com