Happy Sunday! I always look foward to Sunday mornings because I get inspired to make delicious breakfast without having to worry about time. Lately I'm having mandazi cravings, after that yummy orange mandazi, I still want more. Every body loved that orange flavour in mandazi plus the vibrant color. Today I wanted to add spices to get that warm sweet spiciness. Have you ever tried those recipes that are usually at the back of food packets? I always see them and just brush off, but today I decided hmmmm, what's the worse that could happen? Nothing went wrong, in fact these mandazi were delicious that my sisters were eating them before I finished cooking them. So this recipe has been inspired by the back of my mandazi flour packet with every detail followed. Have you ever tried a recipe from a food packet?
INGREDIENTS
2 Cups Mandazi Flour
1 Teaspoon Sugar
1 Large Egg
3/4 Cup Milk
1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
3 Cups Vegetable Oil for Frying
METHOD
Add ground cinnamon to large bowl
Add sugar
Add pinch of salt
Whisk the dry ingredients until well combined
Pour milk into the large egg
Whisk the egg and milk until completely mixed
Start mixing the mandazi dough with a spatula
Mix until the dough starts to come together
Sprinkle flour onto your work surface
Use your hands to knead the dough for 8-10 minutes
Until you get a smooth dough
Cover with clean kitchen towel to rest 20 minutes
Knead a few seconds after resting
Divide dough into four equal pieces
Roll out into 1/4 inch rectangle shape
Use knife to cut lengthwise then across to get squares and some triangles
Finish all the dough, cover and rest for 15 minutes
Heat oil in deep heavy pan. To test if oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles to the top quickly then the oil is ready
Add the dough a few pieces at a time
Immediately they float use a metal spoon to turn them
Add a few more if there is still some space left
Allow one side to cook until starting to brown
Flip regularly so that all the sides are cooked evenly
The mandazi should be golden brown on both sides
Take out of the oil using a slotted spoon that will allow excess oil to drain back to the pan
Place the cooked mandazi in a sufuria as you cook the rest
Delicious mini cinnamon mandazi ready for breakfast
Depending on the size of the mandazi you rolled out you will get thick or medium fleshed mandazi
These are best served with tea, coffee or eaten as a snack
These small sized cinnamon mandazi were so delicious I devoured so many and I still wanted more 🙈🙈
Are you team hollow mandazi...
Or team fleshy mandazi?
Recipe inspiration
MINI CINNAMON MANDAZI
Prep time: 15 Minutes
Cook time: 30 Minutes
Total time: 45 Minutes
Yield: 20 Mandazi
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Mandazi Flour
- 1 Teaspoon Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 3/4 Cup Milk
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 3 Cups Vegetable Oil for frying
Cooking Directions
- Add ground cinnamon to large bowl. Add sugar. Add pinch of salt. Whisk the dry ingredients until well combined
- Pour milk into the large egg. Whisk the egg and milk until completely mixed. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Start mixing the mandazi dough with a spatula. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Knead dough until you have a rough dough
- Sprinkle flour onto your work surface. Use your hands to knead the dough for 8-10 minutes. Until you get a smooth dough. Cover with clean kitchen towel to rest 20 minutes. Knead a few seconds after resting. Divide dough into four equal pieces. Roll out into 1/4 inch rectangle shape. Use knife to cut lengthwise then across to get squares and some triangles. Finish all the dough, cover and rest for 15 minutes
- Heat oil in deep heavy pan. To test if oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles to the top quickly then the oil is ready. Add the dough a few pieces at a time. Immediately they float use a metal spoon to turn them
- Add a few more if there is still some space left. Allow one side to cook until starting to brown. Flip regularly so that all the sides are cooked evenly. The mandazi should be golden brown on both sides
- Take out of the oil using a slotted spoon that will allow excess oil to drain back to the pan. Place the cooked mandazi in a sufuria as you cook the rest
- Delicious mini cinnamon mandazi ready for breakfast. Depending on the size of the mandazi you rolled out you will get thick or medium fleshed mandazi. These are best served with tea, coffee or eaten as a snack
Cinnamon Mandazi – FAQs
1. What are mandazi?
Mandazi are East African fried doughnuts, lightly sweet and fluffy, often flavored with coconut milk and spices like cardamom or cinnamon.
2. How does cinnamon enhance mandazi?
Cinnamon adds a warm, sweet-spicy flavor that complements the dough’s mild sweetness and enhances the aroma.
3. Can mandazi be baked instead of fried?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative though they won’t be as crispy or rich as fried mandazi.
4. Are mandazi vegan?
Traditional mandazi include eggs and milk, but you can make vegan versions by substituting with plant-based milk and egg replacers.
5. How should mandazi be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. They can also be frozen and reheated.
Nutrition Card – Approx. per mandazi (60g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 180–220 kcal | — | Depends on size and frying oil |
| Protein | 3–4 g | 6–8% | From flour, eggs, and milk |
| Carbohydrates | 25–30 g | 8–10% | From flour and sugar |
| Sugars | 5–8 g | — | Added sugar and cinnamon |
| Fat | 7–10 g | 11–15% | From frying oil and dough ingredients |
| Fiber | 1–2 g | 4–8% | Depends on flour type |
Dietary Compatibility & Notes
| Diet Type | Compatible? | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian | ✅ Yes | Traditional recipe includes eggs and milk |
| Vegan | ✅ With modifications | Use plant-based milk and egg replacers |
| Gluten-Free | ❌ No | Contains wheat flour |
| Dairy-Free | ✅ With modifications | Use plant-based milk and vegan butter/oil |
| Nut-Free | ✅ Yes | Nut-free unless added |
Serving Tip:
Enjoy cinnamon mandazi with a cup of tea or coffee, or dip them in honey or fruit jam for extra sweetness.
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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