East African Mandazi

Combine milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, sugar, egg, instant yeast, salt, and cardamom in a large mixing container. Blend these ingredients until they form a cohesive mixture. Gradually incorporate flour, 1 cup at a time, into the bowl until the dough comes together and can be easily manipulated. Knead the dough on a flat surface, using gentle pressure, until it no longer sticks to your hands. Transfer the dough back into the bowl; cover and allow it to rise in a warm environment until it has doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.

Gently press the dough down. Perform a brief kneading motion, then divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Shape each portion into a ball and cover it with a cloth to prevent drying.

Using one of the dough balls, roll it into a 1/3-inch-thick circle on a surface dusted with flour. Cut the dough into 4 triangles using a pizza cutter; cover it again to prevent drying. Repeat this process with the remaining dough balls.

Heat 2-inches of oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan over medium heat.

Fry the dough in batches, using hot oil, until it puffs up and is cooked through, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the dough and continue frying until it turns golden brown, adding an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the fried dough to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.