Garri Cookies || Gracefult Kitchen

Garri Cookies

Desserts

Garri is made from dried, fermented cassava, a tuber native to South America and introduced to Africa by Portuguese traders from Brazil in the 16th century. San Francisco chef Simileoluwa Adebajo says her family, like many in Nigeria, often eat garri mixed with ground nuts, sugar and milk, like a cereal. These subtly sweet cookies are crisp and delicious.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups garri (cassava flakes), ground into a fine powder (see Tip)
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
¾ teaspoon baking powder
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold vegan butter or unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
¾ cup cold water, as needed
2 cups neutral oil, such as canola or avocado

Description

Whisk garri, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl. Add butter and blend with your hands or a pastry blender until you achieve a crumb-like consistency. (Alternatively, use a food processor to cut in the butter.) Add water, a little at a time, until the mixture forms a dough with very few crumbs (you may not need the full 3/4 cup). Place the dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper and roll out to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 1 1/2-by-1/2-inch strips.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. In batches, fry 15 to 20 cookies at a time, flipping halfway and adjusting the heat as necessary, until light golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Let cool before serving.