Teresa's Recipes
Maandazi
Maandazi is a beloved East African snack that resembles a delightful doughnut, often enjoyed with tea or coffee. These fluffy, slightly sweet pastries are infused with aromatic cardamom and are deep-fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior with a soft and airy inside. Traditionally enjoyed during celebrations or as a street food snack, maandazi brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Serve them dusted with powdered sugar for an irresistible treat that is sure to please all palates.
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Coconut milk
- for frying Vegetable oil
- for dusting Powdered sugar
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 12
- Dish Type: Snack/Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 23g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Sugar: 6g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cardamom, and salt until well combined.
- Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable oil. Mix the ingredients until a soft dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
- In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball.
- Carefully place the dough balls into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they are golden brown, turning occasionally for even cooking, about 3-5 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the maandazi from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While they are still warm, dust the maandazi generously with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve warm with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy your delicious maandazi!
Tips
- For a variation, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a slightly less sweet version, reduce the granulated sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- Serve with a side of honey or chocolate sauce for dipping.