Delicious and Authentic Mandazi Recipe: East African Doughnuts

Ingredients

  • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom
  • 1.5 cups of warm milk
  • 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it's frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cardamom.
  3. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast-milk mixture.
  4. Add the beaten egg and melted butter to the bowl.
  5. Mix everything together until a sticky dough forms.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
  7. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm area for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
  8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and turn it out onto a floured surface again.
  9. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.
  10. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large frying pan over medium heat.
  11. Fry the dough pieces in batches for about 3 minutes on each side or until they're golden brown and puffed up.
  12. Remove the mandazi from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
  13. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
  • Add grated coconut to the dough for a tropical twist.
  • Incorporate mashed bananas into the dough for a banana-flavored mandazi.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the mandazi before frying for added spice.
  • Add raisins or chopped nuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
  • Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a rich coconut flavor.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for a subtle, aromatic taste.
  • Make savory mandazi by omitting the sugar and adding spices like cumin, turmeric, and chili powder to the dough.
  • Stuff the mandazi with a filling of your choice, such as minced meat, vegetables, or cheese, before frying.
  • Serve the mandazi with a dipping sauce or chutney, like mango chutney or tamarind sauce.

Recipe overview

Mandazi, also known as the African doughnut, is a popular treat in East Africa. They are a delicious, sweet and fluffy snack that are usually enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. Traditionally spiced with cardamom and sometimes coconut, these doughnuts are lightly sweetened and have a unique, aromatic flavor. This recipe will guide you through the simple process of creating mandazi from scratch. You'll start by making a yeasted dough, infused with cardamom, and letting it rise until it's light and airy. Then, you'll roll the dough out, cut it into shapes, and fry the pieces until they're golden brown and crisp. The result is a batch of warm, soft mandazi that are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack. While the recipe does require time for the dough to rise, the actual hands-on work is minimal, and the amazing end product is definitely worth the wait.

Common questions

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all or a portion of the all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, note that the texture and taste of the mandazi may be slightly different.
  2. Can I use a different type of sweetener?
    Yes, you can experiment with using different sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste and texture of the final product.
  3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
  4. Can I bake the mandazi instead of frying?
    Traditionally, mandazi is fried, but if you prefer a healthier option, you can try baking them. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the mandazi for about 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
  5. Can I freeze the mandazi?
    Yes, you can freeze the mandazi. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the ingredients and kneading the dough.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Whisk - To dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and mix the wet ingredients.
  • Dough Scraper - Useful for scraping the dough off the surface and transferring it.
  • Rolling Pin - For rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Cookie Cutter - Optional for cutting the dough into specific shapes.
  • Deep Fryer or Frying Pan - To fry the mandazi until they are golden brown and puffed up.
  • Slotted Spoon - For removing the mandazi from the oil.
  • Paper Towels - To drain the excess oil from the fried mandazi.

Origin stories

Mandazi is a type of fried bread that originated in East Africa and is especially popular in countries like Tanzania and Kenya. This delectable treat is often referred to as the "Swahili bun," reflecting its roots in the Swahili coast. Many a morning in East Africa begins with the subtly sweet aroma of Mandazi wafting through the air, a comforting signal that a new day has dawned. Often paired with a cup of chai, it provides a satisfying start to the day. But its allure doesn't stop at breakfast—Mandazi is enjoyed at all times, day or night. From bustling city markets to tranquil village homes, this humble yet indulgent pastry has become a beloved symbol of East African culinary tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.