Fried Dough with Cinnamon and Raisins (Lesotho Makoenva)

Lesotho cinnamon rolls are called Makoenva, but they are really just fried dough with some raisins, and then rolled in cinnamon and sugar straight out of the fryer. Whatever you call them, they are yummy. We enjoyed them with a cup of rooibus tea that turns out has 50 more antioxidants than green tea. It was a lovely ending to our Lesotho meal. These are quick and easy to make for a quick snack or dessert for any occasion.

2 tsp. yeast
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp. kosher or sea salt
2 tsp. vegetable oil
2 cups all-purpose flour, unbleached
¼ cup raisins
oil, for frying
equal parts cinnamon and sugar, combined to roll them in

Combine yeast and sugar in a bowl and add in 1 cup of lukewarm water.

Wait until it turns bubbly and frothy about 10 minutes.

Add salt and oil.

Add flour until dough doesn't stick to your hands while kneading.

Add in the raisins and mix together.

Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.

Stretch the dough and pinch off a medium size pieces.

Put in hot vegetable oil to fry until golden brown.

Roll them in cinnamon and sugar.

Serve warm with cup of rooibus tea.

Makes 24 pieces.