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Zambian Vitumbuwa Fritters

Yields12 ServingsPrep Time15 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time35 mins

Lightly sweet with crisp edges and a soft center.

Zambian vitumbuwa fritters, golden African-style doughnut treats

Fritter batter
 3 all-purpose flour
 2 ½ tsp baking powder
 ½ tsp fine salt
 2 tbsp granulated sugar
 1 ¼ warm water, plus more as needed
For frying
 3 vegetable oil, for frying
Make the fritters
1

Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large bowl until evenly combined.

2

Pour in the warm water gradually, stirring until a thick, soft batter forms. It should be scoopable and hold a rounded spoonful without running.

3

Rest the batter for 10 minutes while the oil heats; this gives the flour time to hydrate.

4

Pour about 3 cm of oil into a heavy saucepan and heat over medium heat to about 170°C.

5

Wet or lightly oil a tablespoon, scoop rounded spoonfuls of batter, and carefully lower 5–6 into the oil without crowding the pan.

6

Fry for 2–3 minutes on the first side, until the fritters puff and turn golden underneath.

7

Turn each fritter and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until evenly golden and set through the center; lower the heat if they color too quickly.

8

Drain on a rack or paper towels, cool for 5 minutes, and serve warm with tea.

Notes

Keep the batter thick enough to hold a rounded spoonful; thin batter absorbs more oil. Fry at steady medium heat so the centers cook before the crust becomes too dark.

Nutrition Facts

12 servings

Serving size

1 fritter

Amount per serving
Calories185
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g11%

Saturated Fat 1g5%
Trans Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 190mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 25g10%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 3g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.