Kalimati

Kalimati

These fluffy, chewy and sweet East African doughnuts an exclusive treat for my family, friends and the highlight of the day for my kids. They are bit different from other donuts that you probably tried. The minimally mixed yeasted dough contains yogurt for an extra-tender final product, and there’s no rolling or punching required. Instead, scoop the dough straight into hot oil and watch it puff and turn golden. To top it off, these little delights get tossed in perfumed simple syrup I love the sweet, earthy notes of cardamom, but you can easily swap it for fresh lemon juice or any of your favorite aromatic spice.

Ingredients

4–6 servings

DOUGH 

2¼ tsp packet instant yeast .
¼ cup plain whole-milk yogurt (option for vegan)
3 Tbsp. sugar
½ tsp Crystal salt
2cups (250 g) all-purpose flour 

1.cup  of water 

SYRUP AND ASSEMBLY
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp. ground cardamom.
¼ tsp. salt

Vegetable oil (for frying; about 8 cups)
Flaky sea salt (for serving; optional)

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
A deep-fry pan

PREPARATION
DOUGH
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Step 1
Whisk instant yeast whole-milk yogurt, sugar, salt, baking powder, and 1 cup water in a bowl to combine. Using a rubber spatula pore all-purpose flour until a very sticky, almost batter-like dough forms. Cover bowl and let dough sit in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

SYRUP AND ASSEMBLY
Step 2
While the dough is rising, bring ¾ cup sugar, 1 tsp. ground cardamom, salt, and ½ cup water to a boil in small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Cook until syrup is slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3
Pour vegetable oil into a large heavy saucepan to come 3" up sides and fit with thermometer. Heat over medium until thermometer registers 325°.

Step 4
Release dough from sides of bowl with rubber spatula and gently fold to gather. Using a #100 cookie scoop or 2 small spoons and working in batches of 8 or so, carefully drop balls of dough into oil and fry until deep golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer kalimati to paper towels and let cool slightly.

Step 5
Place kalimati in a medium bowl and pour reserved syrup over. Transfer to a platter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving, if desired.