It’s mandazi time! These mandazi were made in celebration of so many things. Last week, the UCE results came out and my little sister passed well. The passing alone called for celebration. And yesterday was my birthday! I am growing old people! So, we thought making mandazi would be wonderful since we are avid mandazi eaters!
When you think of Ugandan kitchen staples, flour is a major component. We Ugandans eat a lot of flour. A LOT! And mandazi’s are almost found everywhere. Almost everyone can make and have their own recipe for mandazi too. I thought it would be a good idea to share my recipe for mandazi with you. Just to prove how simple mandazi are to make, here is:
What you will need:
2 C. Baking flour
4 Tbsp. Sugar
1 C. Water
2 Tbsp. Butter/Margarine
1 Tbsp. Baking powder
1 Tbsp. Ground cinnamon
1 Tsp. Vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Powdered sugar (optional)
Makes 10+
Observations:
- The water should be cold.
- Make sure your oil is not very hot because this will cause the mandazi to burn before cooking through
- Cinnamon adds a mildly spicy and fragrant flavor.
- If you are using less oil. Make sure to flip the mandazis occasionally so the dough is fully cooked through.
Method
- In a clean bowl, sift flour and baking powder. Add salt, cinnamon and sugar and mix well.
- Rub in the butter till the flour becomes coarse.
- Mix the vanilla in water and add water and mix till a firm dough forms and is no longer sticking to your hands.
- Set aside to rest for ten minutes.
- After ten minutes, flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1 ½ -2 inch thickness.
- Cut out rectangular shapes from the dough.
- Place a pan of frying oil on medium to high heat. Let the oil heat through.
- Fry the rectangular shaped dough (the mandazi) until they rise and are golden brown.
- Dust the mandazi with powdered sugar and serve!
- Enjoy!
