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Mandazi Recipe

Easy Mandazi Recipe – The Fluffy, Sweet Kenyan Breakfast Treat


  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 Mandazi pieces 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Light, fluffy, and golden brown, this Easy Mandazi Recipe brings authentic Kenyan flavor to your kitchen. Made with coconut milk, cardamom, and a touch of sweetness, these soft triangle pastries are perfect for breakfast or tea time.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (or 1 teaspoon yeast, optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon
  • 1 cup coconut milk or regular milk
  • 1 large egg (optional for richness)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
  • Oil for deep frying
  • Optional: Grated coconut, orange zest, or vanilla extract for flavor

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder (or yeast), salt, and cardamom.
  2. Add wet ingredients: Pour in melted butter, milk, and the egg if using. Mix until the dough comes together.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead for 5–7 minutes on a floured surface until soft and smooth. Add a little flour if too sticky.
  4. Rest the dough (for yeast version): Cover and let rest for 30–40 minutes until slightly risen. Skip this step if not using yeast.
  5. Roll and cut: Roll dough to ½-inch thickness and cut into triangles or desired shapes.
  6. Heat the oil: In a deep pan, heat oil on medium until a small piece of dough bubbles gently.
  7. Fry Mandazi: Fry in batches, turning until golden brown on both sides.
  8. Drain and serve: Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with tea or coffee.

Notes

  • Use coconut milk for authentic Kenyan flavor.
  • Maintain medium oil temperature for even frying.
  • Rest dough for fluffier texture if using yeast.
  • Drain on paper towels to keep Mandazi light and crisp.
  • Try baking at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes for a healthier option.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Fried
  • Cuisine: Kenyan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 25
  • Protein: 3

Keywords: Easy Mandazi Recipe, Kenyan breakfast, fried dough, Swahili Mandazi, coconut milk Mandazi