Mandazi: Kenyan Fried Dough

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 2.5 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 3 cups vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. 1

   Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom, ginger, and salt in a large bowl.

2. 2

   Pour milk into the dry mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

3. 3

   Knead dough on a clean surface for 5 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.

4. 4

   Cover dough with a damp cloth and rest 15 minutes while you heat the oil.

5. 5

   Heat oil in a deep pot or wok to 350°F; it should shimmer and move easily.

6. 6

   Roll dough into a thin rectangle on a floured surface, about 1/8-inch thick.

7. 7

   Cut dough into 3-inch squares or diamonds using a sharp knife.

8. 8

   Working in batches, slide 3–4 pieces into hot oil without crowding the pot.

9. 9

   Fry 60–90 seconds per side until deep golden brown and puffed; flip only once.

10. 10

    Remove mandazi with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

11. 11

    Serve warm. Mandazi are best enjoyed fresh within a few hours.

Tools you’ll need

• large mixing bowl
• wooden spoon
• clean work surface
• measuring cups and spoons
• deep pot or wok
• instant-read thermometer
• rolling pin
• sharp knife
• slotted spoon
• paper towels

More recipes like this

• 

  15-Min Paczki Donuts (Polish Fried)

  15 min

• 

  Korvapuusti (Cinnamon Rolls)

  45 min

• 

  Conchas (Mexican Sweet Bread)

  90 min

• 

  Butter-Laminated Danish Pastry Board

  25 min