Mahamri (Kenyan Coconut Cardamom Buns)
In short: Puffy, golden fried buns of yeasted dough made with coconut milk and cardamom, a Swahili coast breakfast eaten with beans or sweet tea. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 1 h 30 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 540 kcal
Mahamri are the airy, triangular buns of the Swahili coast, made from a yeasted dough enriched with coconut milk and scented with cardamom. They are rolled out, cut and fried until they puff up into hollow golden pillows. Along the Kenyan coast they are eaten at breakfast with sweet tea, or with maharagwe ya nazi (coconut beans) as a filling meal. They are softer and chewier than mandazi, thanks to the yeast.
Instructions
- Mix the flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom and salt in a large bowl. Add the warm coconut milk and the 2 tbsp oil and mix, then knead for 10 minutes into a soft, smooth dough.
- Cover the bowl and leave the dough in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled.
- Divide the dough into 6 balls and rest for 10 minutes. On a lightly oiled surface, roll each into a circle about 20 cm (8 in) wide and 5 mm (1/4 in) thick, and cut it into 4 triangles.
- Cover the triangles with a cloth and rest for 20 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Heat the frying oil in a deep pot to 175°C (350°F). Fry 4 or 5 triangles at a time for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until puffed and golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm, with sweet tea or maharagwe ya nazi.
Tips
- Oil the work surface instead of flouring it so the dough stays soft, and keep the cut triangles covered while they rest.
- Fry in small batches so the oil stays hot. A scrap of dough should sink briefly, then rise and sizzle. If the oil is too cool, the mahamri turn dense.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between mahamri and mandazi?
Mahamri are yeasted and made with coconut milk, so they puff into soft, airy buns. Mandazi are usually leavened with baking powder and are firmer.
Can I make mahamri dough ahead of time?
Yes. After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight, then roll, cut, rest and fry the next day.
What do you serve with mahamri?
Maharagwe ya nazi, sweet spiced tea (chai) or just a dusting of sugar.
How long does it take to make Mahamri (Kenyan Coconut Cardamom Buns)?
About 55 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mahamri (Kenyan Coconut Cardamom Buns)?
About 540 kcal per serving, with 9 g of protein, 80 g of carbohydrates and 21 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 540 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 80 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
