Step 1

But where can you find Nigerian Puff Puff?

The prominence of this treat stretches across Western African countries including Swahili Coast where it’s known as Mandazi, buffloaf in Ghana, mikate in Congo, and kala in Liberia Benin. These delicacies are similar to doughnuts.

Moving away from the African continent, to Europe; we find the Dutch Olie bollen and into Euro Asian country of Kazakhstan where we find Baursaks. The dough and mode of preparation are similar to the Nigerian Puff puff. How exciting it is to find a dish from your homeland (or something similar) in another continent.

The basic ingredients found in Nigerian Puff-puffs are mainly flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and water to create a soft and smooth batter that can be dropped into oil to fry until golden brown. Of course, other ingredients such as cinnamon and nutmeg can be added. It’s interesting to find similar recipes, ingredients and method of production from country to country and from continent to continent.

Step 2

Sift the flour to get rid of any unwanted particles and to loosen it

Step 3

Place all the dry ingredients in a big bowl and mix together with a spatula.

Step 4

Gradually add water bit-by-bit and mix with your hand until all ingredients blend together to form a smooth batter. You should be able to scoop and drop the batter with your fingers or a spoon and drop into the oil. The consistency is be between a bread and a pancake batters. (Watch the video please.)

Step 5

Cover the bowl with foil and a damp cloth and leave to rise for 45 minutes. If you don’t have foil paper, cover the bowl with the damp cloth and place it in a dark place. The batter will rise and double in size and will have some air bubbles.

Step 6

Pour vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot and place over medium heat. The oil should be about 3 inches deep (7.5cm).

Step 7

Test to see if the oil is hot enough by putting a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and springs to the surface of the oil then it is ready. However, if it the batter goes down to the bottom of the oil and settles there, then the oil is not ready yet. Wait and test again. (Watch the video please.)

Step 8

When the oil is ready, scoop the mixture with your hand or measuring spoon (1 tbsp. scoop) into the pot of oil (see the video). Put in more scoops of batter (as much as the pot can carry) without crowding. For best results, fry in small quantity. (Watch the video please.)

Step 9

When the downside of the puff puff turns golden brown, flip the ball so that the topside will be fried as well.

Step 10

Step 10 When the top and bottom sides of the balls are golden brown, transfer them to a strainer lined with paper towel or a bowl to drain the oil.

Enjoy your Nigerian Puff Puff! Allow to cool or eat them hot.