Coconut Bread (Mandazi)

Coconut Bread (Mandazi)
Prep Time: 3-4 hours
Serves: 6-8

This East African coconut bread is slightly sweet and has often been likened to doughnuts. It is available everywhere in East Africa. A typical street food, mandazi is eaten anytime – at breakfast, with tea, for a snack or with bharazi for lunch or dinner. It is traditionally deep fried but we are making a healthier version.

Ingredients

  • 2½ cups whole wheat flour
  • 3 tbsp organic jaggery/date paste
  • 1 tsp yeast
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated or dried coconut
  • ½ tsp roughly ground cardamom
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • Warm water to bind

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough:

    • Mix all dry ingredients
    • Add coconut milk and combine
    • Add warm water to form soft, non-sticky dough
    • Knead thoroughly

  2. First rise:

    • Place dough in glass bowl
    • Cover and place in warm, ventilated area
    • Let rise 2-3 hours until doubled

  3. Shape and cut:

    • Knead risen dough again
    • Divide into 6-7 portions
    • Roll each portion like a roti
    • Cut each into four triangles

  4. Bake:

    • Preheat oven to 180°C for 10 minutes
    • Line baking tray with parchment paper
    • Place triangles on tray
    • Bake 10-15 minutes until puffed and brown

Tips

  • Ensure warm place for rising is draft-free
  • Watch carefully during baking as they can brown quickly
  • Best served warm
  • Can be stored in airtight container