Mandazi / Mahamri (East African Doughnuts)

          Mandazi or Mahamri is a traditional breakfast of East Africa, especially Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Preparing these yummy deep fried doughnuts brought back few fond memories. As a resident of Nairobi a couple of years back, I had the privilege of relishing them. In fact, my house help introduced me to these yummy small bites. 

           It is actually a very popular street food sold in all street corners and enjoyed by the local Swahili people. They are served warm with a cup of hot tea / coffee. Absolutely easy and a simple recipe but full of flavours, especially from the cardamom. Cinnamon too can be added instead. So do give it a try and enjoy for breakfast a la Swahili style. 

           

• 1 cup plain flour 
• 2 tbsp. butter
• pinch of salt 
• 3 tbsp. powdered sugar 
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder 
• 1 egg
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• warm milk as required 
• oil to deep fry

          Mix together flour and butter till it resembles bread crumbs. Then add rest of the ingredients (except milk) and knead into a dough. Add milk if required. Cover with a damp cloth and keep aside for 30 minutes.

          Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a circle of 1/4" thickness. Cut into squares with a pizza cutter.

           Heat oil in a pan and deep fry in batches till till light golden in colour. Drain on a kitchen towel and dust with some powdered sugar. Enjoy for breakfast with a hot cup of tea / coffee.