Procedure:
Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by measuring out all the ingredients. It’s essential to have everything ready before you start the mixing process. This includes sieving the flour to ensure it’s free of lumps.
Sieve the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sieve the flour to break up any lumps. Once sifted, add the sugar, nutmeg, salt, and instant yeast to the flour. If you’re using powdered milk, add it to this mixture as well. Mix these dry ingredients together using a whisk or spoon to ensure they’re well combined.
Add Water Gradually: Slowly add water, a little at a time, to the dry ingredients. Mix constantly as you pour the water to form a thick batter. The consistency should be smooth, neither too watery nor too thick. It should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape when scooped. Aim for a batter that flows slowly off a spoon.
Rest the Batter: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and allow the batter to rest in a warm place for about 45 minutes. This resting period allows the yeast to activate and the batter to rise, which is key to making the puff-puff fluffy and light. You should see the batter expand and become airy.
Heat the Oil: While the batter is resting, heat enough oil in a deep fryer or large frying pan to fully submerge the puff-puffs. Set the heat to medium-low, as this will help ensure they cook evenly without burning. The oil temperature should be moderate, around 350°F (175°C). To test the oil, drop a small amount of batter into it; it should bubble up and rise to the surface without browning too quickly.
Fry the Puff-Puffs: Once the batter has rested and the oil is hot, scoop the batter using your hands or a spoon. Carefully drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the frying pan, as this can cause the puff-puffs to stick together. Fry them in batches, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Drain and Serve: Once the puff-puffs are golden brown and fully cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy! Serve your puff-puffs warm, either on their own or with a dusting of powdered sugar, honey, or any other dip of your choice. They’re perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of a festive meal.
