Chin chin is a popular West African snack that is crunchy, slightly sweet, and often flavored with spices. Here’s a basic recipe for making chin chin:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: Nutmeg or cinnamon for flavoring
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into small squares or rectangles. You can use a knife or a pizza cutter for this.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to around 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- Fry the cut pieces of dough in batches until they are golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot to allow even frying.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chin chin and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Allow the chin chin to cool completely before serving. They will become crunchier as they cool.
Optional: If you like, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dry ingredients for extra flavor.
Enjoy your homemade chin chin! You can store them in an airtight container once they have cooled.