Mandazi (Kenyan Cardamom Fried Dough)
In short: Light, slightly sweet fried dough triangles scented with cardamom and coconut milk, Kenya's favorite tea-time snack and breakfast treat. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 420 kcal
Mandazi are the golden fried dough triangles that Kenyans eat with tea at breakfast, as a snack and from roadside kiosks. The dough is flavored with cardamom and coconut milk, rolled out and cut into triangles, then fried until puffed and golden. Coastal cooks use more coconut and spice, while upcountry mandazi are plainer. They are best the same day, warm or at room temperature, dipped into sweet milky chai.
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom and salt in a large bowl. Rub in the 1 tbsp oil.
- Pour in the coconut milk and stir to a soft dough, adding warm water if it is dry. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth, then cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 3 pieces. Roll each into a circle about 5 mm (1/4 in) thick and cut into 8 triangles.
- Heat the frying oil in a deep pot to 175°C (350°F). Fry 5 or 6 triangles at a time for 1 to 2 minutes per side until puffed and deep golden.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with chai.
Tips
- Roll the dough to an even 5 mm (1/4 in). Thinner dough turns hard and crisp, and thicker dough stays raw in the center.
- Keep the oil at 175°C (350°F). If it is too cool the mandazi absorb oil, and if it is too hot they brown before cooking through. A pinch of nutmeg or grated orange zest adds a nice variation.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between mandazi and doughnuts?
Mandazi are less sweet and firmer, made without yeast and scented with cardamom. They are usually cut into triangles and eaten dipped in tea.
Can I make mandazi with yeast?
Yes. Replace the baking powder with 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast and let the dough rise for 1 hour. The mandazi will be softer and fluffier.
How do I store mandazi?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm them in a 160°C (325°F) oven for 5 minutes before serving.
How long does it take to make Mandazi (Kenyan Cardamom Fried Dough)?
About 45 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mandazi (Kenyan Cardamom Fried Dough)?
About 420 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 62 g of carbohydrates and 16 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 420 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 62 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
