Ugandan Mandazi (Fried Dough)

Ingredients

• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Cardamom powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1 cup Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 3 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Whisk them together until evenly distributed.
2. 2Gradually add 1 cup of milk to the dry ingredients. Mix with your hands or a spoon until a soft dough begins to form. It will be sticky at first.
3. 3Turn the dough out onto a clean surface that has been lightly dusted with a little of the 3 cups of all-purpose flour. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. You will know it is ready when it feels smooth and elastic, like a stress ball.
4. 4Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into triangles or any other desired shapes. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
5. 5Pour 3 cups of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer. Heat the oil over medium-high 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.
6. 6Carefully place a few pieces of the cut dough into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the mandazi for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are a deep golden brown all over. They will puff up as they cook.
7. 7Using a slotted spoon, remove the golden-brown mandazi from the hot oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil. This will help them stay crispy.
8. 8Serve the mandazi warm. They are delicious on their own.

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