Butternut mandazi (swahili donuts). Mandazi is a form of fried dough. Mandazi originates from East African Coast areas and is very popular in the East African region. Mandazi – an original east African doughnut recipe made of coconut and cardamom infused yeast dough.

Ingredients of Butternut mandazi (swahili donuts)

1. You need of all-purpose flour.
2. You need of baking powder.
3. Prepare of cardamon spice.
4. It’s of eggs.
5. You need of butternut or pumpkin.
6. It’s of butter or margarine.
7. You need of vegetable oil for frying.
8. It’s of sugar.
9. You need of salt.

I grew up in Mombasa- Kenya and over there we call these Mandazi because they aren't hollow inside unlike the 'Mahambri' that has a lovely air pocket, perfect for stuffing with coconut beans. Our neighbours in Tanzania call it half cake, its also known as Puff puff in west Africa and Biegnets New. Mandazi (Swahili: Mandazi, Maandazi), is a form of fried bread that originated on the Swahili Coast. It is one of the principal dishes in the cuisine of the Swahili people who inhabit the Coastal Region of Kenya and Tanzania The dish is popular in the region, as it is convenient to make.

Butternut mandazi (swahili donuts) instructions

1. Boil the butternut or pumpkin. Then peel it..
2. Mash up.
3. In a large bowl add the eggs, melted butter, cardamon spice, baking powder, sugar and a pitch of salt. Mix up.
4. Mix up the ingredients and later add the mash.
5. Keep adding the flour to the mix until the dough forms and becomes soft.
6. Once done, Cover with a plastic paper bag of dump cloth. Leave over night or for 8 to 12 hours.
7. Spilt the dough into two. And roll it flat not too thin not too thick. Cut into strip and later into squares.
8. Add oil in a sauce pan and heat it. Once hot. Deep it the squares in the oil. Fry until browned.
9. Serve it for breakfast or as a snack.

Mandazi is one of the popular African dishes that you will find in the greater lakes of coastal regions of East Africa inhabited by the Swahili community. It is a dish that can be served as a breakfast with tea, appetizer before lunch, or even a soft late night dinner to entertain your groaning stomach before. But I was in the mood for some donuts. 🙂 I wanted something different though, and surfing through the web I came across this African donuts recipe. These simple donuts from East Africa, known as mandazi, have a hint of cardamom and can be served as a sweet treat or alongside curry. African Doughnuts Coconut Mandazi Kenya Street Food Kenyan Breakfast Mahamri Mandazi.