Kenyan Mandazi (Fried Dough)

Ingredients

• 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Cardamom
• 1 cup Coconut Milk
• 3 cups Oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of All-Purpose Flour, 1/2 cup Sugar, 2 tsp Baking Powder, and 1 tsp Cardamom. Whisk them together until they are evenly distributed.
2. 2Gradually add 1 cup of Coconut Milk to the dry ingredients. Mix with your hands or a spoon until a soft dough begins to form. Make sure there are no dry patches of flour.
3. 3Turn the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic, meaning it springs back slowly when you poke it.
4. 4Place the kneaded dough back into the large bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 15 minutes. This resting period helps the dough relax, making it easier to shape.
5. 5Lightly flour your work surface again. Roll out the rested dough with a rolling pin until it is about 1/2 inch thick. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into desired shapes, such as triangles or squares.
6. 6Pour 3 cups of Oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep frying pan. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a tiny piece of dough into it; it should sizzle immediately.
7. 7Carefully place a few pieces of the cut dough into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the mandazi for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They are ready to be turned when they float to the surface and start to turn golden brown. Continue frying until they are a deep golden brown all over, about 4 to 6 minutes total per piece.
8. 8Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, carefully remove the fried mandazi from the hot oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step helps to make them less greasy.
9. 9Serve the Kenyan Mandazi warm. They are a delicious treat on their own.

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