Last week, we highlighted why you should have a family food day. On this day, you select a dish to try out, then you make it at home or order in. In the article, we highlighted the benefits this has for kids and the family at large.

In this article, we shall be learning how to make mahamri as a family. Adjust this recipe as desired.

Ingredients:

4 cups plain flour

¾ cup sugar

1 tablespoon of instant yeast

1 ¾  cup of warm milk

1 tablespoon cardamom powder

1 serving spoon margarine

Cooking oil

You will also need; clean kitchen towels or cling film, extra flour to dust the surface, and a pan or sufuria. Additionally, you will need patience, that is if you will be doing this with your children.

To make this a fun experience, go shopping together. If the supermarket is spacious and your kids are of age, divide the shopping list. Each family member will be tasked with getting one or two items from the list. If there are no supermarkets, send those who are of age to the shop.

Please note: When making mahamri, use all-purpose flour. Self-raising flour is used to make mandazis.

Instructions:

Preparing the dough:

1. Sieve the flour into a big bowl.
2. Add the cardamom powder and mix well.
3. Add sugar and mix well.
4. Add the instant yeast and mix well.
5. Add the margarine and rub it into the flour.
6. Add the warm milk as you kneed the flour. The milk should be added gradually to avoid having runny butter.
7. Knead the dough till it becomes smooth. This process takes 5- 15 minutes.
8. Apply a light coat of oil on the bowl. Place the dough in it and cover with a clean kitchen towel or cling film. Place the bowl in a warm place and let the dough rise for at least an hour.

To make this a family recipe, have one person hold the sieve as the other pours the flour. Let the patient person add milk gradually as the other kneads the dough. As kneading is a tedious process, take turns. To pass time, narrate stories or curate a family playlist.

Rolling the Mahamri

1. Dust the working surface.
2. Knead the dough slightly.
3. Divide the dough into equal sizes.
4. Roll each ball into a circle. The circle should not be too thin or too thick.
5. Cut it into 4 parts using a knife or pizza cutter.
6. Place the 4 triangles on a dusted surface.
7. Repeat the process on the remaining balls.

To make this a fun experience, have parents roll the dough and cut it. If you do not care for the shape, let your children do it.

Frying the Mahamri

1. On medium heat, heat oil in a frying pan or sufuria. The oil should not be too hot. To test add a small dough into the oil. If it sizzles and comes up immediately then the oil is ready.
2. Place the triangles 2-4 at a time depending on the size of the pan. Fry until golden brown.
3. Remove the fried mahamri and place them in a dish or plate lined with a serviette or kitchen towel.
4. Repeat the process on all the triangles.

Ensure the oil is not too hot. Keep the heat on medium level at all times. High heat will make the outside brown too fast while the inside remains uncooked. This process should be done by adults to avoid injuries. The kids can take turns telling stories to avoid being bored.

Now what will you have them with? I like mine with beans, tea, coffee, chicken, beef… basically anything! If you are having yours with stew, make a small hole on top and stuff the stew in.

Have fun!