Maandazi
Indulge in the warm, aromatic embrace of Maandazi, a beloved East African treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. These golden, pillow-soft fried doughs are infused with the exotic scent of ground cardamom and subtly enriched with creamy coconut milk, giving them an irresistible flavor that’s both sweet and slightly spiced. The dough is kneaded with softened butter for a tender, airy texture and cut into charming diamond shapes before being fried to perfection. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or enjoyed plain, Maandazi is best served fresh and pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. This recipe is easy to follow and customizable, making it a delightful addition to your repertoire of international sweets. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, Maandazi offers a taste of traditional Swahili cuisine that will transport your taste buds with every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon Ground cardamom
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.75 cup Coconut milk
- 0.25 cup Warm water
- 1 Large egg
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
- as needed Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom, and salt until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the coconut milk, warm water, and egg. Beat lightly to mix.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
Add the softened butter to the dough and knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Using a knife or pastry cutter, cut the dough into diamond or triangle shapes (about 2-3 inches wide).
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry the maandazi in small batches, turning them occasionally, until they puff up and turn golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
Remove the fried maandazi using a slotted spoon and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.
Optional: Dust the maandazi with powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness.
Serve warm and enjoy with tea, coffee, or by themselves.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1033 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 93.1 g | 119% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.7 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 31 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 135 mg | 6% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.7 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.5 g | ||
| Protein | 5.9 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 12 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 79 mg | 2% | |
*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.
