Puff puff is a popular West African snack, often described as a type of deep-fried doughnut. It’s a delicious and fluffy treat that can be enjoyed on its own or with various dipping sauces.
Here’s a basic recipe for making puff puff:
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg or ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
Wet Ingredients: 7. 1 cup lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast with 1/2 cup of lukewarm water. Stir well and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and nutmeg or cinnamon (if using). Mix them together.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well. Gradually add the 1 cup of lukewarm water and the vanilla extract (if using). Stir until you have a smooth, slightly sticky batter. You can adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Let the batter rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the batter rest in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 2 hours. The batter should double in size during this time.
- Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to about 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use enough oil to submerge the puff puff while frying.
- Fry the puff puff: Dip a spoon or your hand in water to prevent the batter from sticking. Scoop up some batter and drop it gently into the hot oil. You can shape it into a ball with wet hands or use two spoons to form a round shape. Fry the puff puff in batches, but do not overcrowd the pan as they need space to expand. Fry each side until it becomes golden brown, turning them with a slotted spoon to ensure even cooking. This usually takes about 2-4 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain: Once the puff puff is golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Puff puff is best served warm. You can dust them with powdered sugar or serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as chocolate sauce, caramel, or a spicy pepper sauce.
Enjoy your homemade puff puff! They’re perfect for snacking and sharing with friends and family.
