Mandazi

Lightly sweet, cardamom-scented fried dough triangles with a soft, cake-like crumb. They are a favorite with tea at breakfast or for an afternoon snack in East Africa.

Mandazi

Bowl of mandazi: The original uploader was ChildofMidnight at English Wikipedia., CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Where it comes from

Mandazi are enjoyed along the East African coast and inland in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and beyond. The coastal version often includes coconut milk and cardamom.

Explore the cuisine of Tanzania, Kenya.

Recipe

Make Mandazi at home

Serves 6-8Time 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk or water
  • oil for deep frying

How it's made

  1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom and salt in a bowl.
  2. Whisk the egg with coconut milk and milk, then pour into the dry ingredients.
  3. Knead into a soft dough, cover and rest 30 minutes.
  4. Roll out to about 1/2 inch thick and cut into triangles or squares.
  5. Heat oil to about 350 F and fry in batches 2-3 minutes per side, until puffed and golden.
  6. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with chai.

Variations

  • Mahamri: yeasted and softer, with coconut milk.
  • Sweeter mandazi: dusted with powdered sugar.

Cook’s tip: Do not let the oil get too hot; the dough should puff slowly and cook through.

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About this page

Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.

Photo credit
  • Bowl of mandazi: The original uploader was ChildofMidnight at English Wikipedia., CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)