ORANGE ZEST MANDAZI

Last week of February guys, how has time flown so fast? I had fun this month and I must say it's so far the best February ever! It has been a while since I cooked Mandazi so today I'm bringing you Orange flavored Mandazi. Oranges have such a citrusy flavor that brings vibrant and sort of tropical aroma. I used yeast for these Mandazi because it makes them light yet soft, plus I just love the smell of yeast fermenting in the dough! I made lemon zest mandazi that were to die for! So it was only fair that another citrus fruit made it into my mandazi! Another thing I used was mandazi flour instead of the regular all purpose flour. I've never used Mandazi Flour before and I must say it is perfect for Mandazi. You will definitely enjoy these delicious orange zest mandazi that will become your favorite😋😋

INGREDIENTS

3 Cups Mandazi Flour
3/4 Cup Milk
4 Tablespoons Butter
11/4 Teaspoon Instant Dry Yeast
6 Tablespoons Sugar
2 Tablespoons Orange Zest
Pinch Salt

METHOD

Add flour, sugar, salt, orange zest and yeast in a large bowl. Whisk to combine well

Melt butter in milk and allow to cool to body temperature. Add the milk butter mixture into the dry ingredients

Start mixing the dough with a spatula as you add milk at intervals

Once the dough begins to stiffen, use your hands to knead the dough

Knead dough for 7-10 minutes until soft and pliable. Oil the bowl plus the dough and cover with a kitchen towel. Put dough in warm place to proof for 1 hour or until doubled in size

The dough has doubled in size after 1 hour

Punch down the dough to release the air

Take the dough from the bowl and place on kneading surface. Knead a few seconds

Divide the dough into four pieces

Roll out the dough into 1\4 inch thickness or your desired thickness

Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut round shapes. You can cut any shape you want, let your imagination loose

Cut out all the dough. The excess, mix together, roll out to round shape then cut until all the dough is finished

All in formation ready for the oil😉

Cover and allow to rest for 30 minutes

Heat oil in a heavy deep pan. Drop a piece of dough into the oil to test if it is hot enough. It should immediately sizzle to the top if the oil is ready

Drop the mandazi dough in the oil. Immediately they float to the top, use the spatula to smear oil on them then flip. This allows them to puff up

Once lightly browned, flip and cook second side. Keep flipping every now and then until deeply browned

Serve them immediately with your favourite drink or eat as a snack throughout the day

How fluffy and soft is that orange zest mandazi?

So orangy, is there such a word? These mandazis are soft, light, sweet and filled with zesty orange aroma

ORANGE ZEST MANDAZI

Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

Prep time: 15 Minutes
Cook time: 30 Minutes
Total time: 45 Minutes
Yield: 20 Mandazi
Ingredients

• 3 Cups Mandazi Flour
• 3/4 Cup Milk
• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 1/4 Teaspoon Instant Dry Yeast
• 6 Tablespoons Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Orange Zest
• Pinch Salt

Cooking Directions

1. Add flour, sugar, salt, orange zest and yeast in a large bowl. Whisk to combine well. Melt butter in milk and allow to cool to body temperature. Add the milk butter mixture into the dry ingredients
2. Start mixing the dough with a spatula as you add milk at intervals. Once the dough begins to stiffen, use your hands to knead the dough.
3. Knead dough for 7-10 minutes until soft and pliable. Oil the bowl plus the dough and cover with a kitchen towel. Put dough in warm place to proof for 1 hour or until doubled in size. The dough has doubled in size after 1 hour
4. Punch down the dough to release the air. Take the dough from the bowl and place on kneading surface. Knead a few seconds. Divide the dough into four pieces
5. Roll out the dough into 1\4 inch thickness or your desired thickness. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut round shapes. You can cut any shape you want, let your imagination loose
6. Cut out all the dough. The excess, mix together, roll out to round shape then cut until all the dough is finished. Cover and allow to rest for 30 minutes
7. Heat oil in a heavy deep pan. Drop a piece of dough into the oil to test if it is hot enough. It should immediately sizzle to the top if the oil is ready
8. Drop the mandazi dough in the oil. Immediately they float to the top, use the spatula to smear oil on them then flip. This allows them to puff up
9. Once lightly browned, flip and cook second side. Keep flipping every now and then until deeply browned
10. Serve them immediately with your favourite drink or eat as a snack throughout the day

Orange Zest Mandazi – FAQs

What is Orange Zest Mandazi?
Orange Zest Mandazi is a citrus-infused version of the classic East African fried doughnut. Mandazi is known for its slightly sweet, soft, and airy texture, and in this version, fresh orange zest is added to the dough, giving it a fragrant aroma and a refreshing twist.

Is Mandazi the same as doughnuts?
Mandazi is often compared to doughnuts, but it’s less sweet and typically doesn't contain yeast. It’s also not glazed or filled like Western-style doughnuts. The addition of coconut milk or spices like cardamom or orange zest makes Mandazi distinctively flavorful.

How do I store Mandazi?
Mandazi is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for 4–5 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.

Can I make Mandazi without deep frying?
Mandazi is traditionally deep-fried to achieve its golden, crispy exterior. However, you can try baking or air frying, though the texture will differ—slightly denser and less fluffy.

What can I serve Mandazi with?
Mandazi pairs beautifully with chai, black tea, or coffee. It also works as a snack or light breakfast and can be served with fruit preserves, honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Printable Nutrition Card (Per 1 medium piece)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~220 kcal	May vary based on frying oil and portion
Carbohydrates	~30 g	Primarily from flour and sugar
Protein	~4 g	From flour and milk
Total Fat	~10 g	Varies with oil absorption
Saturated Fat	~3 g	Higher if using coconut milk or butter
Fiber	~1 g	Can increase with wholewheat flour
Sugars	~8 g	Adjust with your sweetness preference
Sodium	~95 mg	Dependent on added salt or baking powder

Note: Frying technique and dough thickness affect final nutritional values. Air frying can reduce fat content.

Dietary Information

Diet Type	Suitable?	Notes
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Contains no meat or animal-derived enzymes
Vegan	⚠️ Possibly	Use plant-based milk and oil to make it fully vegan
Dairy-Free	⚠️ Possibly	Replace milk with plant-based alternatives
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	Ensure no nut-based oils or toppings are used
Gluten-Free	❌ No	Traditionally made with wheat flour
Egg-Free	✅ Yes	Most Mandazi recipes don’t require eggs
Low-Sugar	⚠️ Adjustable	You can reduce the sugar in the dough if preferred

Tip: Use orange zest from unwaxed, thoroughly washed oranges for best results and a vibrant citrus aroma.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.

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