Recipe

Kenyan Coconut Mandazi

Coconut Delight: Kenyan Mandazi with a Tropical Twist

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Kenyan cuisine with this authentic recipe for Kenyan Coconut Mandazi. These delightful fried pastries are a staple in Kenyan households and are often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack. Made with coconut milk and warm spices, these Mandazi are a true taste of Kenya.

Pastry› Sweet Pastry› Mandazi

African cuisine› East African cuisine› Kenyan cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

55 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (if using plant-based milk instead of coconut milk), Dairy-free, Nut-free, Egg-free

Allergens

Wheat

Not suitable for

Gluten-free, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup (60ml) coconut milk 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut milk
1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 4g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 8g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cardamom, and cinnamon.
2.
Add the coconut milk and water to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a soft dough forms.
3.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4.
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5.
After the resting time, divide the dough into small portions and shape them into balls.
6.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
7.
Gently flatten each dough ball into a disc shape and carefully place them in the hot oil.
8.
Fry the Mandazi for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
9.
Remove the Mandazi from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10.
Serve the Kenyan Coconut Mandazi warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Coconut milk — Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk for a richer flavor and creamier texture.
Cardamom — For the best flavor, use freshly ground cardamom pods instead of pre-ground cardamom.

Tips & Tricks

To make the Mandazi extra fluffy, let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before frying.
Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference for sweetness.
Serve the Kenyan Coconut Mandazi with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cloves to add your own twist to the recipe.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the Mandazi instead of frying them.

Serving advice

Serve the Kenyan Coconut Mandazi warm as a breakfast or snack. They pair perfectly with a cup of chai tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Kenyan Coconut Mandazi on a platter and sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also serve them in a traditional Kenyan woven basket for an authentic presentation.