Mandazi Recipe (East African Doughnuts/ Mahamri)

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1. 1Step 1: In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, coconut flakes, sugar, salt, and cardamom. Using an egg whisk, mix all the ingredients until well incorporated.
2. 2Step 2: Add lukewarm coconut milk and olive oil to the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon till the dough comes together.
3. 3Step 3: Transfer the dough to a working surface and knead for about 10 to 15 minutes till smooth and pliable dough is achieved.
4. 4Step 4: If using a kneading machine, knead on low speed till the dough comes together. After that, increase the speed to medium and knead for about 8 minutes till smooth and pliable dough is achieved.
5. 5Step 5: Transfer the dough in a large greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours or until the dough has doubled in size.
6. 6Step 6: Punch the mandazi dough to remove all the air. Divide the dough into eight equal pieces and form round balls.
7. 7Step 7: Roll the balls into 6” circles and slice with a pizza cutter or a knife into four triangular pieces. Feel free to cut out any other shapes of choice.
8. 8Step 8: Place all the triangles on a baking sheet, cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for about 5 to 10 minutes.
9. 9Step 9: In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil to about 370 degrees. If the temperature is too low, the mandazi will soak up a lot of fat. If the oil is too hot, the mandazi will burn on the outside but remain raw on the inside.
10. 10Step 10: Gently drop the mandazi pieces into the oil, few pieces at a time, without overcrowding the pan.
11. 11Step 11: Fry for 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown, continuously flipping from one side to another.
12. 12Step 12: Using a large, slotted spoon, take the mandazi out of the oil and place on paper napkins to soak up the excess fat.
13. 13Step 13: Serve mandazi with Kenyan spiced tea, Ginger tea or any beverage of your choice.