Mandazi (East African Doughnuts)

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1. 1Step 1: Prepare the yeast solution by stirring the yeast into the warm water (optional: you can add in a pinch of sugar to speed up the activation process). Cover and set aside for 5-10 minutes.
2. 2Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat the egg with a whisk. Then add in coconut milk, sugar and coconut oil and whisk together. Set aside.
3. 3Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt and cardamom. Add in the yeast solution and egg mixture, and incorporate into the flour mixture by hand or with the dough hook of a stand mixer.
4. 4Step 4: Once the dough comes together, knead until it no longer sticks to the side of the bowl, and is soft and elastic (it will take about 15 minutes, if kneading by hand. Use a dough scraper to scrape the sides of the bowl). Shape into a boule (ball) and place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to rise for about an hour.
5. 5Step 5: Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and roll into balls.
6. 6Step 6: Roll out each piece into a circle about 1/2-inch thick (if you prefer mandazi that are more hollow inside, roll out thinner, to about 1/4-inch thickness).
7. 7Step 7: Using a sharp knife, cut into quarters, place each piece on a parchment-lined tray or baking sheet, and allow to rest for about 30 minutes.
8. 8Step 8: Heat up oil over medium heat. Fry on both sides until puffed up and golden brown. Adjust the heat accordingly so that the mandazi doesn’t get too brown on the outside before the inside is cooked. It should take about 2 minutes to fry, and then flip over for another 1 to 2 minutes. Take out and place on a paper towel-lined dish.
9. 9Step 9: Once cooled, they are ready to be eaten! If desired, sprinkle some icing sugar over the mandazi.