Banana Mandazi

Transform your teatime rituals with the irresistible charm of Banana Mandazi, a delightful twist on the traditional East African fried dough. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, creating a soft, aromatic dough that fries to golden, pillowy perfection. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, these banana-infused treats strike the perfect balance between crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors. Whether you serve them freshly fried with a steaming cup of chai or dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish, Banana Mandazi is a comforting snack that’s as versatile as it is flavorful. Perfectly suited for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave a warm, homemade indulgence!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pieces ripe bananas
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cardamom (optional)
• 0.25 cups milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 4 cups neutral oil for frying (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)

Directions

Step 1

Peel the ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly in a large mixing bowl until smooth.

Step 2

Add the granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and milk to the mashed bananas. Whisk well until combined.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and cardamom. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 4

Lightly flour a clean work surface and knead the dough for about 3-5 minutes until it is smooth and pliable. Avoid over-kneading.

Step 5

Roll out the dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Using a knife or a round cookie cutter, cut the dough into triangles, circles, or your preferred shape.

Step 6

Heat the neutral oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

Step 7

Carefully place a few pieces of dough into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8

Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried mandazi and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 9

Serve the banana mandazi warm on their own or with a side of your favorite tea or coffee. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	690.5 grams (690.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1745

Total Fat 27.90g	36%
Saturated Fat 16.00g	80%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 68mg	23%
Sodium 1380mg	60%
Total Carbohydrate 343.30g	125%
Dietary Fiber 15.10g	54%
Total Sugars 82.50g
Protein 35.90g	72%

Vitamin D 27IU	134%
Calcium 148mg	11%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 1272mg	27%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.2%

Protein: 8.1%

Carbs: 77.7%