Mandazi

Ingredients

• •4 cups flour
• •1/2 cup sugar
• •1 tbsp baking powder
• •1/2 tsp salt
• •1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• •1 egg
• •1 cup coconut milk, warmed slightly
• •Vegetable oil, for deep-frying

Steps

1. 1.Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cardamom in a large bowl - freshly ground cardamom from whole pods gives a noticeably better flavor than pre-ground.
2. 2.Whisk the egg into the warmed coconut milk, then pour into the dry ingredients and mix into a soft, slightly sticky dough, kneading briefly until smooth.
3. 3.Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour, until noticeably puffed - letting the dough rise fully is what gives mandazi their light, airy interior.
4. 4.Roll the risen dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut into triangles or squares.
5. 5.Heat the oil to about 350F (175C), using a thermometer if possible, since oil that's too hot browns the outside before the inside cooks through.
6. 6.Fry the mandazi in small batches so the oil temperature doesn't drop, turning until deep golden brown and puffed on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
7. 7.Drain on paper towels and serve warm, on their own or with tea.