Yeast Raised Mandazi

Mandazi are fluffy doughnuts that are a popular street food in East Africa, especially Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Typically they are made using baking powder, and some people use coconut milk instead of milk. I personally prefer using yeast because I like the malty taste it adds. However, shaping the baking powder mandazi is easier. They are best enjoyed plain with tea, but can be dressed up and garnished and enjoyed with your beverage of choice.

I tried experimenting with chocolate chips.. didn't really work out

Prep time: 20 minutes + at least 1 hour for rising Servings: 8-10

Cook time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

3 Cups Flour + about 1/2 cup more for dusting.

1/2 Cups warm milk, coconut milk, or water between 100 F/37.8 C and 110 F/ 43.3 C

1/2 cups sugar *or to taste

1 each eggs

1 tsp yeast

1 tbs oil

1/2 tsp salt

*1/4 tsp cardamom (optional)

vegetable oil for deep frying

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar and yeast to bloom the yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

2. While the yeast is blooming, mix the flour and salt in a bowl.

3. When the yeast mixture is done blooming, pour it into the boil with the flour along with the cardamom and oil and mix it well. If you are using a stand or hand mixer, use the hook attachment, although you can also use a wooden spoon.

4. Dust a board or clean surface with flour, then knead for 4-5 minutes or until the dough is no longer sticking to the surface.

5. Place it into a large well oiled bowl, and cover it. Let it sit for at least an hour. Like other yeast dough's, the longer you live it to sit the better, so you can leave it overnight.

6. Fill up your pot or pan of choice more than halfway, then turn the oven on medium heat, but towards the lower end. Heat the oil to 350 F or 176.6 C. One trick to check fryer oil temperature if you don't have a thermometer is to either test a small piece or place the back of a wooden spoon in and if it is not bubbling too fast or too slow, the temperature is just right.

7. While the oil is heating up roll the mandazi on a flour dusted surface, and shape it how you desire. I like making them golf ball shaped, but the most popular way is to cut them into triangles about 1/2 inch thick.

8. Once the oil has reached 350 F/ 176 C, place them in the oil to deep fry, and make sure to turn them so that all sides are evenly cooked.

9. They are cooked once they are golden brown on all sides, and you can cleanly take a toothpick out of them.

10. Plan them on a plate or dish lined with napkins to drain.

11. Serve, dust them with powdered sugar or sauce of choice if desired, and enjoy!