Introducing a classic and easy lemon mandazi made from our backyard farm with fresh ingredients. Perfect for afternoon tea or evening coffee, these swift, hearty bites were a weekly tradition for our after-school evening tea snack and Grandpa's evening coffee snack

Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
40min
Lemon Mandazi Bites recipe

Ingredients

12 Servings
(1 serving = 5-6 pcs)

Back Yard Farm

  • 8cups
    all-purpose wheat flour
  • 2
    Tblspn baking powder
  • 1/8
    Tspn salt
  • 1/3cup
    sugar
  • 5
    Tblspn salted butter/magerine
  • 2
    Tblspn fresh lemon rind
  • 3
    Tblspn freshly squeezed lemon juice(from our back yard farm)
  • 2
    Large organic eggs(from our back yard farm)
  • 2 1/2cup
    warm water
  • 3L
    oil (for deep frying)

How to make Lemon Mandazi Bites

  1. Mix all the dry ingredients

  2. Add the lemon rind and mix well

  3. Add butter and rub in the four til crumbly as below

    Step 1.1: Add butter and rub in the four til crumbly as below
  4. Make a well and add the two eggs together with the lemon juice and mix well

  5. Gradually add the warm water bit by bit as you mix till you get the right dough consistency

  6. Gradually add the warm water bit by bit as you mix till you get the right dough consistency

  7. Work the dough for 1-2 mins and cover with plastic clear wrap set aside for 5-6 Mins

  8. Add oil to the fryer or pan and start preheating to 190-200 degrees Celcius

  9. Dust the surface and roll out your dough to about 1" thickness,

  10. Cut into 1 1/2 " square shape or 2" long by 1" wide

    Step 1.1: Cut into 1 1/2 " square shape or 2" long by 1" wide
  11. Deep fry them turning every 1 minute to achieve an even golden brown on both sides

    Step 1.1: Deep fry them turning every 1 minute to achieve an even golden brown on both sides
  12. Lay oil patching paper in a wide bowl, remove the mandazis from the fryer when ready, leave it to drain excess oil, and drop them on the bowl

    Step 1.1: Lay oil patching paper in a wide bowl, remove the mandazis from the fryer when ready, leave it to drain excess oil, and drop them on the bowl
  13. Serve with coffee with no cream! (we call it black coffee) or Tea with no cream(we call it black tea)

Tips & Tricks

  1. These bites can be refrigerated for 3-4 days!

FAQS

  1. What is the best way to store leftover lemon mandazi bites?

    To store leftover lemon mandazi bites, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

  2. Can I make lemon mandazi bites gluten-free?

    Yes, you can make gluten-free lemon mandazi bites by substituting all-purpose wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the baking powder is also gluten-free, and adjust the liquid as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.

  3. What can I serve with lemon mandazi bites for a perfect afternoon tea?

    Lemon mandazi bites pair wonderfully with black tea or coffee. You can also serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a light lemon glaze for added flavor. For a more indulgent option, consider serving them with whipped cream or a fruit compote.

  4. What are some good substitutions for ingredients in lemon mandazi bites?

    If you don't have salted butter, you can use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt. For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with margarine or coconut oil. You can also replace fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice, although fresh is recommended for the best flavor.

  5. How do I achieve the perfect dough consistency for lemon mandazi bites?

    To achieve the perfect dough consistency for lemon mandazi bites, gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients while mixing. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it's too dry, add a little more water; if it's too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour until you reach the desired texture.

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