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Magwinya (Botswana Doughnut Bites)

Botswanan · Snack · Medium

Magwinya (Botswana Doughnut Bites)

Total
1 hr 50 min
Prep
1 hr 30 min
Serves
12
Calories
155
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Small yeast-raised dough balls fry to crisp gold with airy centers. A dusting of powdered sugar turns them into a warm, lightly sweet snack.

A soft dough gives Magwinya (Botswana Doughnut Bites) their light interior and gently irregular shape. Small portions cook through quickly while the surface develops a thin golden crust.

Keep the oil at a steady temperature and fry only a few pieces at once. Let the dough double before shaping; rushing the rise produces heavy centers that absorb more oil.

SweetCrispyStreet FoodVeganVegetarianDairy-freeNut-freeEgg-free

Method

  1. Mix water, sugar and yeast and leave for until foamy. Stir in flour, salt and the dough oil, then knead for until smooth and soft.

  2. Cover the bowl and rise for until doubled. Gently deflate the dough and divide into 24 small pieces using two lightly dampened spoons.

  3. Heat frying vegetable oil 2 inches deep in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry six pieces at a time for , turning, until golden all over and cooked through without sticky dough inside.

  4. Drain on a rack and dust with powdered sugar while warm. Serve two bites per portion.

Forkue tips

  • Cut open the first cooked piece to check the center before frying the rest; reduce the heat slightly if it browns before cooking through.

Storing and reheating

Best warm on the day they are fried. Keep airtight for 1 day and re-crisp briefly at 350°F; powdered sugar may need refreshing afterward.

Kitchen gear

Heavy potTop picks on AmazonFrying thermometerTop picks on Amazon
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Nutrition per serving, estimated

155Calories
3gProtein
25gCarbs
5gFat

Magwinya (Botswana Doughnut Bites): FAQ

Can I make them savory?

Yes, leave off the powdered sugar and serve with a savory filling or stew. The small amount of sugar in the dough gives only a mild sweetness.

Why are the bites greasy?

Cool oil and overcrowding are the usual causes. Keep batches small and let the oil return to temperature before adding more dough.

How do I store and reheat Magwinya (Botswana Doughnut Bites)?

Best warm on the day they are fried. Keep airtight for 1 day and re-crisp briefly at 350°F; powdered sugar may need refreshing afterward.

How long does Magwinya (Botswana Doughnut Bites) take?

About 1 hr 50 min in total: 1 hr 30 min prep and 20 min cooking.

What do I need to make Magwinya (Botswana Doughnut Bites)?

The key ingredients are all-purpose flour and active dry yeast, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Magwinya (Botswana Doughnut Bites)?

Cut open the first cooked piece to check the center before frying the rest; reduce the heat slightly if it browns before cooking through.

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