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Mandazi (East African Coconut Doughnuts)

East African · Main · Appetizer

A popular East African breakfast treat, these triangular doughnuts are light, fluffy, and subtly spiced with cardamom. Traditionally served with chai, they feature a hint of coconut for a tropical finish.

IntermediateVegetarianDairy free
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Mandazi (East African Coconut Doughnuts) — recipe cover
1 hr 30 minA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time15 min
Cook time15 min
Servings6 people
DifficultyIntermediate
Let's make something good

How to make it

6 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, ground cardamom, and salt

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, ground cardamom, and salt.

  2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients

    Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm coconut milk and the beaten egg. Mix by hand or with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.

  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface

    Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 60 minutes or until doubled in size.

    1 hr
  4. Punch down the risen dough

    Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal balls. On a floured surface, roll each ball into a circle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut each circle into 4 triangles (like a pizza).

  5. Heat oil in a deep pan or pot

    Heat oil in a deep pan or pot to 350°F (177°C). Carefully drop a few triangles into the hot oil. Fry until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and fry the other side. This should take about 2-3 minutes total.

    3 min
  6. Remove the mandazi

    Remove the mandazi with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.

A little kitchen wisdom

Ensure the oil is not too hot; if it is, the outside will brown before the inside is cooked. Using warm coconut milk helps activate the yeast faster.

What you'll need

Large mixing bowlRolling pinDeep frying panSlotted spoonPaper towels
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

The dough can be prepared and kept in the fridge overnight for a cold rise.

Store & enjoy

Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat slightly in the oven or microwave before serving. Reheat at 300°F (149°C) in the oven for 5 minutes to restore fluffiness.

Allergens

Contains wheat, gluten, eggs.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Mandazi (East African Coconut Doughnuts)
Step 1 of 6

Whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, ground cardamom, and salt

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, ground cardamom, and salt.