Yovo Doko

About This Recipe

Yovo Doko — literally 'white person's bread' in Fon — are pillowy deep-fried dough balls that are lightly sweetened and immensely popular as a breakfast or snack throughout Benin. Simple yet addictive, they are sold by vendors near schools and markets.

Ingredients

Serves 4

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

Instructions

1. 1

   Make dough

   Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and knead until a smooth, soft dough forms. Rest 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Shape

   Pinch off walnut-sized pieces and roll into balls.

3. 3

   Fry

   Heat oil to 165 °C. Fry dough balls in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning, until golden all over.

4. 4

   Drain and serve

   Drain on paper towels and dust with sugar. Serve warm.

Variations

• •

  Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough.

• •

  Drizzle with honey instead of dusting with sugar.

Storage

Best eaten fresh. Store up to 1 day at room temperature; reheat briefly in an oven at 150 °C.

Frequently Asked Questions