How to Make East African Mandazi(Fried Donuts)

Mandazi, also known as East African fried doughnuts, is a famous snack in East Africa, especially in Kenya and Tanzania. These sweet, soft inside and a bit crunchy on the out treats are a staple in many households and are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast, evening tea, or on their own. Mandazi is a popular street food in Kenya, usually sold by vendors in markets and bus stations, and is popular among schoolchildren as a snack.

A Brief History of Mandazi

Mandazi is believed to have originated in the Coastal regions of East Africa, where Arab traders and travellers introduced their version of fried doughnuts. Over time, the recipe was modified and adjusted to suit local tastes and elements, resulting in today’s Mandazi.

What You’ll Need to Make Mandazi

Making Mandazi at home is fun and straightforward! With just a few pantry staples and a touch of warm spice, you’ll have a batch of soft, fluffy fried doughnuts ready in no time. Whether new to East African cuisine or a seasoned cook, these ingredients are easy to find and work with.

To make these delicious East African Mandazi, you will need;

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter/margarine
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup coconut milk as a choice1/2 cup coconut milk & 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, sugar, cardamom, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well
2. Add the egg and butter, followed by coconut milk. Mix to combine using a spatula.
3. Utilizing your hands., knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth.
4. Heat oil in a depth frying pan over medium heat.
5. Meanwhile, on a lightly floured texture, roll out the dough to about an inch thick. Cut into the desired shape. You could cut them into squares or triangles or use a cookie cutter of whatever shape you want. Be creative.
6. Check if the oil is ready. It is ready when bubbles form around a wooden spoon. You could also cut a tiny piece of the dough and drop it to test its readiness.
7. Drop in the cut dough and lower the heat to avoid burning on the outside and uncooked inside. Flip the mandazis every 30 sec and cook for about 1.5-2 minutes.
8. Fry the mandazi until golden brown and puffed up.
9. Remove from the oil and place them on a paper-towel-lined bowl to drain excess oil.
10. Serve and enjoy!

How to Make East African Mandazi

Indulge in these sweet, delicious, fluffy East African donuts that are quick and easy to make with simple pantry staples.

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine African

Servings 32

Calories 111 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 31/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup butter melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp cardamom ground
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg ground
• oil for deep frying

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, sugar, cardamom, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well
• Add the egg, and butter, followed by the coconut milk. Mix to combine using a spatula
• Using your hands, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth.
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
• Meanwhile, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about an inch thick. Cut into the desired shape. You could cut them into squares or triangles or use a cookie cutter of whatever shape you want. Be creative.
• Check if the oil is ready. It is ready when bubbles form around a wooden spoon. You could also cut a tiny piece of the dough and drop it to test if it's ready.
• Drop in the cut dough and lower the heat to avoid burning on the outside and uncooked inside. Flip the mandazis every 30 sec and cook for about 1.5-2 minutes.
• Fry the mandazi until golden brown and puffed up.
• Remove from the oil and place them on a paper-towel-lined bowl to drain excess oil.
• Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 111kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 61mgPotassium: 39mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 71IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 3mg

Keyword cardamom, Coconut, nutmeg, Simple

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Tips:

• Mandazi are usually eaten as is; however, Sprinkle powdered sugar on top or glaze for added sweetness.
• You can replace coconut milk with regular milk or water.
• Add half a cup of shredded coconut to enhance the texture.and extra flavour.
• These mandazis can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or be frozen for 3 months. Store in a tight ziplock bag before refrigerating or freezing.

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