Breads
Mandazi (East African Fried Bread)
Ingredients
- - 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- - 80 g (1/3 cup) sugar
- - 1 tsp ground cardamom
- - 1 tsp instant yeast
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 250 ml (1 cup) warm coconut milk (or whole milk)
- - 2 tbsp melted butter or vegetable oil
- - 750 ml (3 cups) vegetable oil, for deep-frying
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cardamom, yeast and salt.
- Add the warm coconut milk and melted butter, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until roughly doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, divide into 4 pieces, and roll each into a circle about 1 cm (1/2 inch) thick.
- Cut each circle into 4-6 triangles.
- Heat the frying oil in a deep pot to 160-170°C (325-340°F).
- Fry the triangles in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until deep golden brown and puffed.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before serving warm.
Introduction: Mandazi are lightly sweetened, triangular fried breads found across the African Great Lakes and East African coast, brought inland along historic trade routes.
Cultural Background: Mandazi are lightly sweetened, triangular fried breads found across the African Great Lakes and East African coast, brought inland along historic trade routes. In Burundi they are a favourite teatime snack, sold fresh and warm by street vendors each morning.
Tips: Keep the oil temperature moderate; too hot and the mandazi will brown before cooking through. A properly risen dough gives mandazi their characteristic light, fluffy interior.
Variations: Add finely grated coconut to the dough for extra texture. Already vegetarian; use coconut milk and oil as listed for a dairy-free version.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 5-6 minutes to restore crispness.
Nutrition: Approx. 220 kcal, 4 g protein, 32 g carbohydrate, 8 g fat per serving (based on 12 pieces).
FAQs:
Q: Can mandazi be baked instead of fried?
A: Traditional texture relies on frying, but they can be baked at 190°C (375°F) for 15-18 minutes for a lighter, less rich alternative.
Q: What is mandazi typically served with?
A: It is most often enjoyed with spiced milk tea (icyayi cy’amata) for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.