Soft and fluffy, Mandazi are an East African fried bread similar to a doughnut. Subtly sweetened and infused with cardamom and coconut milk, they are golden on the outside and pillowy in the center. Mandazi make a delicious treat for breakfast or teatime, especially accompanied by a mug of sweet spiced chai.
Ingredients
275g self-raising flour
3 tbsp sugar (white granulated or caster)
165ml full-fat coconut milk (room temperature)
1 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp salt
Oil for deep frying
Additional flour for rolling
Icing sugar or caster sugar for dusting (optional)
Cooking Steps
Step 1 - Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whsk together the flour, sugar, cardamom and salt. Pour in the coconut milk and mix until a dough forms. Knead gently for 5 minutes until smooth - be careful not to over knead. Lightly coat the dough with a drop of oil, wrap in cling film, and rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
Step 2 - Shape the Mandazi
Dust your work surface with flour. Divide the dough into 2 balls. Roll each ball out to about 1/2 (half) cm thick, then cut into quarters, to create 8 triangle-shaped pieces.Set aside onto a tray. Repeat for the other portion of dough.
Step 3 - Fry
Heat oil in a deep pan until hot (around 215C/smoking point). Carefully drop the dough pieces into the oil in small batches.. Spoon hot oil over the tops a they cook to help them puff up.Flip and fry until both sides are golden brown.
Tip: If they aren't puffing up into fluffy pillows, your oil needs to be hotter!
Drain on paper towel and dust with icing sugar and serve warm with a steaming mug of spiced chai.