Soft mandazi with a hint of lemon is the perfect treat for anyone who loves fluffy, lightly sweetened snacks with a citrusy twist.
Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, pairing them with a hot cup of tea, or enjoying them as an afternoon indulgence, these golden delights are sure to impress. Best of all, they’re easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen!
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating the perfect batch of mandazi, balancing sweetness and zest for a flavor that’s irresistibly light and refreshing.
From mixing the dough to frying them to perfection, you’ll have soft, airy mandazi that your friends and family will rave about.
Let’s get rolling.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, for extra flavor)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
Instructions
1. Mix the dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cardamom (if using), and lemon zest.
2. Combine wet ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then stir in the warm milk, water, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Make the dough
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and soft. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Let the dough rest:
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the dough to rise slightly and become easier to work with.
5. Roll and cut
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Use a knife to cut the dough into your desired shapes (triangles, squares, or circles).
6. Heat the oil
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough; it should sizzle and rise to the top.
7. Fry the mandazi
- Fry the pieces in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side).
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
8. Serve and enjoy
- Serve warm, sprinkled with powdered sugar, or with your favorite accompaniment like tea or coffee.
Tips for Perfect Mandazi
- Don’t overheat the oil; too hot, and the mandazi will brown too quickly without cooking through.
- For extra fluffiness, allow the dough to rest longer (up to an hour).
- You can adjust the sugar level if you prefer them less sweet.
Enjoy your lemon-infused mandazi!
What’s the best way to store mandazi to keep them fresh?
To keep mandazi fresh, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their soft texture and flavor. Here are the best ways to store them:
Short-Term Storage (1–2 days)
- Room Temperature: Place the cooled mandazi in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Add a paper towel inside to absorb any moisture and keep them from getting soggy.
- Warm Before Serving: When ready to eat, reheat them in a microwave for 10–15 seconds or in an oven at low heat (about 150°C/300°F) for a few minutes to revive their softness.
Long-Term Storage (Up to 2 weeks)
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the mandazi in a freezer-safe bag or container. Separate layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Reheating: Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then warm them in the oven or microwave to restore their fresh taste and fluffiness.