"Nigerian Puff Puff Recipe" by Seyi A.

 

Hi everyone!! Today I will be sharing with you a recipe that is very dear to my family and my fellow Nigerian brothers and sisters. Many of you know Nigerians like myself and should know that a huge part of our culture is the food. So, when I was thinking of what food to share, I wanted to make sure that I chose one that wouldn’t be too hard or risky for everyone to make. I knew if I shared something like jollof rice or pounded yam and stew, things would get sort of complicated and there would be many great first outcomes. This is okay because I still mess up a lot when it comes to Nigerian dishes. But then I thought of puff puff and was like this is perfect! Puff puff is a sweet snack that is very popular in Nigeria and in the region of West Africa. If you were to go to Nigeria, you would see street vendors selling puff puffs everywhere. The outside texture is similar to a donut hole and has a soft and airy texture on the inside. There are so many ways you can put add-ins and toppings, like powdered sugar and chocolate, to make it your own.

For as long as I can remember, my mom would make puff puff on the weekends for my sisters and I and we would all gather around to watch a Nigerian movie and spend time together. Usually, especially around Christmas time, we would be going to parties and puff puff would be a big hit for everyone to enjoy. We would catch up with people we hadn’t seen all year, or in many years, dancing to afrobeats, eating savory food, and enjoying everyone’s company. Sadly, as everyone knows, this year has changed the picture for everything. But, even if we can’t party together, you can still spend quality time with your family and loved ones by trying out this puff puff recipe and having a mini movie night or party of your own!!! I got the original recipe from 9jafoodie.com, which is a website that has so many Nigerian recipes to choose from and many of them are easy to learn so if you want to check it out I would highly recommend it!!! I’ve done this specific recipe many times and it is very beginner friendly so let’s get into it!

Nigerian Puff Puff Recipe

(original recipe from 9jafoodie.com)

Prep time: 50 mins

Cook time: 15 mins

Total time: 1 hour 5 mins

Ingredients:

 

●     3 cups flour (375 grams)

●     4 teaspoons quick rise yeast

○     The quick rise yeast I recommend is Fleischmann’s RapidRise Instant Yeast, this helps the dough have great quality and rise faster

 

●     2/3 – 1 cup sugar (133 -201 grams)

○     The amount of sugar is honestly up to how sweet you would like the puff puff to be

●     1/2 tsp nutmeg

○     This is to add flavor and spice; it makes a difference in the overall taste

●     2 cups lukewarm water

○     The water being lukewarm helps make the dough rise

●     Frying oil

○     Any oil works but I recommend canola or vegetable oil

Tools:

 

●     A large mixing bowl

●     Measuring cup

●     Measuring cups

●     Measuring spoons

●     A large pot

●     A whisk and/or spoon

Instructions:

1.   In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all the dry ingredients.

 

a.   We add the dry ingredients first so that the dough rises properly

2.   Then, slowly add in the water while mixing. Stop as soon as the water is incorporated and the batter is smooth.

a.   Tip:​The batter should be thick and smooth with a couple of bubbles

 

3.   Cover the mixture with a table cloth. Set aside in a warm place for 45-60 minutes

a.   Tip:​Don’t leave your dough to rest for more than 60 minutes when you use quick rise yeast. If you set the batter in a warm place, it should only take about 45 minutes to rise.

 

4.   Set a large pot on medium heat, add in the oil, and heat until hot.

a.   Tip:​I recommend not putting the heat higher than medium because you risk over frying the puff puffs.

 

5.   Scoop enough mix with your hand and drop the ball in oil. Repeat until the pan of oil is full. Fry until golden brown on all sides.

 

a.   Tip:​If you want you can use an ice cream scoop or spoon if you don’t want to use your hands. Also, don’t put too many scoops in the oil, or else they will together and won’t fry properly. Lastly, don’t let the puff puffs get too brown, or else they will get too dark once they cool down.

And then you’re done!! I really hope you guys enjoy and remember you can put your own twists to it as well! Stay safe out there and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! <3