Easy Mandazi Without Yeast

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour ((plus more as needed))
• 2½ teaspoons (12g) baking powder
• ½ teaspoon (2-3g) salt
• ¼-⅓ cup (50-60g) sugar
• ½ teaspoon (1g) ground cardamom ((grind cardamom pods in a spice or coffee grinder for the best flavor))
• ½ teaspoon (1g) freshly grated nutmeg (or ground cinnamon)
• 2-3 tablespoons (10-15g) grated coconut (or coconut flakes)
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons (42g) melted butter
• ½ cup (120ml) evaporated milk (or coconut milk)
• warm water (as needed )
• vegetable oil (for deep-frying)
• powdered sugar (or cinnamon sugar to sprinkle (optional))
• caramel sauce ((optional))

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, whisk all the dry ingredients until well combined: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, sugar, cardamom, and nutmeg.

2. 2

   Gently add the liquid ingredients: eggs, butter, and milk. Combine until the mixture comes together and the dough is smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit of flour. If it's too hard, add a little bit of water. The dough shouldn't be too sticky when touched, but it's better to err on the side of less flour than more flour.

3. 3

   Roll out the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Cut into bite-sized pieces or triangles like in the picture.

4. 4

   Pour vegetable oil into a large saucepan until it's at least three inches deep (or about 5 centimeters). Too little oil will result in flatter mandazi. Heat over medium until the oil is 350℉ (180℃).

5. 5

   Fry the mandazi until golden brown, 3-5 minutes, depending on the size. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel. Serve warm.