If you are searching for a delicious, golden-brown snack that’s soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, look no further than puff-puff.
This beloved West African treat is typically made with yeast, but did you know you can prepare it without yeast?
Even if you are out of yeast, short on time, or simply prefer a quicker method, this no-yeast puff-puff recipe is here to satisfy your need.
What Is Puff-Puff?
Puff-puff is a traditional West African fried dough snack enjoyed across Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and beyond. It is known by different names in various regions:
- Nigeria: Puff-puff
- Ghana: Bofrot
- Cameroon: Mikate
- Ivory Coast: Gbofloto
- South Africa: Magwinya
Despite the name variations, the core ingredients remain similar: flour, sugar, salt, and water.
These ingredients are deep-fried to create a sweet, fluffy, and slightly crunchy snack that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday treat.
Also read on Puff-Puff vs Doughnut: Which Nigerian Snack Wins?
Why Make Puff-Puff Without Yeast?
Traditional puff-puff recipes require yeast, which needs time to activate and cause the dough to rise.
This process can take up to two hours. However, with a no-yeast version, you can enjoy puff-puff in under 30 minutes. This method is ideal for:
- Busy individuals: No waiting for dough to rise.
- Limited ingredients: No need for yeast.
- Beginners: Simpler preparation steps.
Ingredients You will Need
To make approximately 20 pieces of puff-puff, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your dough.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Adjust to taste; you can use granulated or powdered sugar.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent in place of yeast.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1 cup warm water: Helps dissolve the dry ingredients and forms the batter.
- Vegetable oil: For deep frying.
Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for added flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making No-Yeast Puff-Puff
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
2. Add Warm Water
Gradually pour in the warm water, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or whisk. The goal is to achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape but still drop easily from a spoon.
3. Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan or pot, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the puff-puff balls. Heat the oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; if it rises to the surface within a few seconds, the oil is hot enough.
4. Fry the Puff-Puff
Using a spoon or your hands, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy puff-puff. Fry in batches if necessary.
Fry each batch for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the puff-puff balls are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Allow the puff-puff to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed as is or dusted with powdered sugar, cinnamon, or your favorite topping. Serve warm for the best taste.
Tips for Perfect Puff-Puff
- Consistent Size: Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to ensure uniform size, leading to even cooking.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain medium heat. If the oil is too hot, the puff-puff will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it’s too cool, they may absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but not too stiff. Adjust the water quantity as needed.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or a splash of coconut milk to the batter for unique flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Stir the batter just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense puff-puff.
- Underheating the Oil: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 4g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.