Nigerian Puff Puff

About This Recipe

Puff puff is Nigeria's answer to doughnuts, and arguably better. These golden, pillowy spheres of yeast-leavened dough are fried to a perfect crisp outside while staying soft and airy inside. They're sold on every street corner, served at parties, and loved by all ages. Simple ingredients, maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients

Serves 8

• 3 cupsall-purpose flour
• 1 cupwarm water
• 1/2 cupsugar
• 1 tspinstant yeast
• 1/2 tspsalt
• 1/4 tspnutmeg
• 2 cupsvegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the batter

   Mix flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and nutmeg in a bowl. Add warm water gradually, mixing until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms (thicker than pancake batter).

2. 2

   Rest and rise

   Cover with a cloth and let the batter rest in a warm place for 45–60 minutes until it has risen and is bubbly.

3. 3

   Heat the oil

   Pour oil into a deep pot to at least 3 inches deep. Heat to 175°C (350°F).

4. 4

   Fry the puff puff

   Scoop batter with a spoon or your hand and gently drop balls into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, for 3–4 minutes until golden brown all over.

5. 5

   Drain and serve

   Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar.

Variations

• •

  Add vanilla extract for extra aroma

• •

  Fill with Nutella after frying

• •

  Make savory version by omitting sugar and adding pepper

• •

  Vegetarian: swap the protein for roasted king oyster mushrooms, smoked tofu or cooked chickpeas — adjust seasoning slightly upward to compensate.

Storage

Best eaten fresh. Store up to 2 days at room temperature; reheat in oven to crisp up.

Frequently Asked Questions