Mandazi are a type of doughnut that is ubiquitous to East Africa. They are sold in hotels, roadside food vendors, supermarkets and you can make them at home for breakfast.
There are many ways to make Mandazi. Some people are milk, lemon and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon or nutmeg depending on the preference. Mandazi is fairly easy to make. So long as you have some flour and milk or water – in case you are lactose intolerant or simply don’t like milk, add some fat, salt and sugar, then you are ready to go. You can also use cow milk alternatives or lactose free cow milk.
Here is a simple recipe you can use to whip up these tasty treats for breakfast or to eat as a snack during the day
Ingredients
- 1kg flour
- 1 cup sugar
- I teaspoon salt
- I heaped teaspoon baking powder.
- 500ml milk (Optional. You can use water)
- Cooking oil
- Margarine
Method
- Sift your flour into a clean bowl.
- Add in the sugar, salt and baking powder.
- Mix it all in until it is well combined.
- Add in some Margarine, about two tablespoons and rub in the flour till well combined.
- Warm up the milk to blood heat. Test the temperature on the back of your palm.
- Knead in the milk into the flour and mix till it forms a smooth dough but not sticky. If it’s a little dry add some more milk, if it’s wet add some more flour.
- On a lightly dusted surface continue to knead your dough until it is smooth and elastic, about ten minutes should do.
- Let the dough sit for at least half an hour covered with a clean damp towel over it.
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Roll out your dough and cut up into desired shapes.
- Deep fry the dough until golden brown.