Sweet Fried Bread - Mandazi (Mahamri)

These East African Mandazi (Mahamri) are soft, fluffy fried doughnuts made with coconut milk and warm cardamom spice.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine East Africa

Keyword homemade, mandazi

Prep Time 1 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 30

Servings

Calories 416kcal

Author Lola Osinkolu

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the warm coconut milk. Let it sit until foamy. About 5 minutes.
In a separate large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, coconut flakes, cardamom powder, sugar, and salt. Create a well at the center and pour in the proofed yeast, coconut milk, and egg. Mix together until a dough is formed.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead firmly for 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth, soft, and elastic. The dough should pull away from your hands cleanly.
Shape the dough into a smooth ball. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and leave it to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the air from the dough and transfer it to a floured work surface. Divide it into 6 hand-sized pieces and form balls.
Roll out each piece into a circle about a quarter-inch thick. Use a pizza cutter or a knife to divide each circle into 4 triangular pieces. and leave to rest again for about 10 minutes.
Preheat some cooking oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to about 350°F (180˚C). Working in batches, gently place the mandazi in the hot oil (do not overcrowd) and fry on both sides. About 2-3 minutes per side until the mandazi becomes golden brown.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and allow excess oil to drain. Serve warm.