Banana Mandazi
Transform your teatime rituals with the irresistible charm of Banana Mandazi, a delightful twist on the traditional East African fried dough. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, creating a soft, aromatic dough that fries to golden, pillowy perfection. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, these banana-infused treats strike the perfect balance between crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors. Whether you serve them freshly fried with a steaming cup of chai or dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish, Banana Mandazi is a comforting snack that’s as versatile as it is flavorful. Perfectly suited for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave a warm, homemade indulgence!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces ripe bananas
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cardamom (optional)
- 0.25 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cups neutral oil for frying (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
Peel the ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
Add the granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and milk to the mashed bananas. Whisk well until combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and cardamom. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Lightly flour a clean work surface and knead the dough for about 3-5 minutes until it is smooth and pliable. Avoid over-kneading.
Roll out the dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Using a knife or a round cookie cutter, cut the dough into triangles, circles, or your preferred shape.
Heat the neutral oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
Carefully place a few pieces of dough into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried mandazi and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve the banana mandazi warm on their own or with a side of your favorite tea or coffee. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1745 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.9 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.0 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 68 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 1380 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 343.3 g | 125% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.1 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 82.5 g | ||
| Protein | 35.9 g | 72% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 148 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 14.6 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 1272 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
