This African delicacy is eaten in Ghana, Nigeria, Cuba, South Africa, Brazil and pretty much everywhere people of African descent can be found. The recipe and name change slightly depending on where one is.
Bofrot as it is called in Ghana, and in anglophone Cameroon; also called buffloaf [Puff-puff] in Nigeria, bofloto in the Ivory Coast, mikate in Congo, beignet in Francophone Cameroon, ligemat in Sudan, kala in Liberia, Magwinya/Vetkoek in South Africa, is a traditional African snack made of fried dough.
The prominence of this delicacy stretches even to the eastern and southern edges of West Africa, where it is mostly known as mandazi, this is why we have the confidence to say that it is high in the ranks of Africa’s favourite snack.
This African Snack is made of dough containing flour, yeast, sugar, butter, salt, water and eggs (which are optional), and deep fried in vegetable oil to a golden brown color. Baking powder can be used in place of yeast, but yeast is more common. After frying, it can be enjoyed with various fillings both savoury and sweet. Different countries fill this snack with something different.
South Africa would pair they’re magwinya with either prolong, mince or they’re famous mango salad called ‘atchaar’. Ghana vendors sell they’re bofrot with peanuts and eat the both at the same. Like the French beignet and the Italian zeppole, Bofrot/Puff puff/Magwinya can be rolled in any spices/flavouring such as cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg. This form a fusion style of cooking bofrot served with a fruit dip such as strawberry or raspberry. Bofrot can be eaten plain, or with any other addition. For instance, Cameroonians enjoy bofrot with beans, coffee, and other beverages for breakfast.
Interestingly, bofrot is not made in the fanciest of places, on the contrary, a woman with a tripod, a frying pan and all her necessary aids is found in a corner, pulling passers by with the fresh sizzling aroma. It is an exceptional street snack, certainly an experience to grab!
For others it is the perfect breakfast but this all day snack is something you must try when you visit any of the countries who make it. But because we are all stuck in quarantine and you think this is something you would like to make in the comfort of your home, we got you!!
Bofrot/ Puff Puff/ Magwinya Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1tbsp yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water to mix (to help activate yeast)
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Method
- In a large bowl, mix flour salt, sugar, water, and yeast, then mix until you have a firm dough.
- Knead the dough for five minutes.
- Cover loosely with cling film or clean cloth and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes to 1 hour or until doubled.
- When doubled, flatten dough to knock out air bubbles and knead to make it firm, you may add flour if it’s a bit stick. Take a piece of dough and roll it into a golf ball size or any size of your own preference.
- Heat vegetable oil in a big sauce pan fry until golden brown about 3-5 minutes depending on size.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. Let them cool and chop
