nigerian Chin Chin recipe – This sweet and savory snack is a fun West African treat that is crunchy and addictive. These little fried dough pieces have a unique crunch and nutmeg flavor and are perfect for any occasion.
Whether enjoyed alone as a snack, served at parties, or shared with friends and family during celebrations, chin chin is a beloved treat that brings joy. If you have a friend from West Africa, you’re probably feeling a little nostalgic.
Using basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, this easy-to-make recipe lets you whip up tons of delicious snacks right in your own kitchen. Perfect for munching on at movie night or adding to a dessert platter, Nigerian Chin Chin is sure to become a favorite in your household.
What is Chin Chin?
Throughout West Africa and Nigeria, chin chin (small fried crispy pieces of dough usually sweetened with nutmeg) were made for special occasions. When I was a child, that was the custom in most families. cameroon To make this delicious treat for Christmas. Each family has its own chin chin recipe. Some are so soft that they crumble, while others are so hard that they can break your teeth.
Some are shaped like small balls. Others knead them and cut them into small squares. The whole experience of slowly enjoying Chin Chin is indescribable. You will never get tired of trying out different variations of Chin Chin.
Even at this ripe age I still love it. The only problem is that “once it pops, it won’t stop.” One time I had to hide my chin in the trunk of my car. Maybe it was a little extreme, but I wasn’t ready to share. 🙈
recipe ingredients
- flour – All-purpose flour with a little baking powder is the basic ingredient for these fun treats.
- flavor enhancer – Sugar sweetens and salt enhances the overall flavor of these snacks.
- butter – Butter adds richness and flavor to Chin Chin.
- egg – The egg binds the dough together and contributes to the overall texture of the chin chin.
- milk – Milk gives the right consistency to the batter and helps give these fried snacks a cake-like flavor.
- fragrance – Grated nutmeg and lime zest add classic flavor to these addictive snacks.
How to make Chin Chin
- dry – Using a mixer (or by hand), combine the dry ingredients, including flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, nutmeg, and lime zest. (Photo 1)
- butter – Mix the butter into the flour mixture until well combined. (Photo 2)
- liquid – Add milk and eggs to the mixture. Continue mixing until a ball of sticky dough forms. (Photo 3-4)
- Knead – Drop the dough ball onto a floured surface and knead, adding more flour to the dough as needed, until the dough is smooth, elastic, even in color, and no longer sticky. Chin You can create different shapes and sizes of jaws.
- divide Divide the dough in half. On a floured surface, roll out the halves, like you would linguine or fettuccine, until about 1/6 inch thick. A pasta machine is handy. Next, cut the dough into the desired shape. (Photos 5-7)
- fry – Heat a deep cast iron skillet, pot, or (my favorite) Dutch oven over medium heat. Add about 3 inches of oil and heat to 375°F (190°C). Fry the Chin Chin in hot oil until golden brown. (Photo 8)
- serve – Remove from oil, drain and enjoy.
Recipe variations
- Let’s make it chocolatey. Adding a spoonful of cocoa powder to the batter will give it a chocolate flavor. You can also dip fried chin chin pieces in melted chocolate for an even more decadent treat.
- nut version. Mix finely chopped nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews, etc.) into the dough to give it a crunchy texture. You can also sprinkle nuts before frying.
- get spicy. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground chili powder to the batter for a spicy kick. The savory elements create a delightful contrast with the sweetness. ❤️🔥
tips and tricks
- If you want the chin to be softer, add 1-2 tablespoons of butter. Be careful not to add too much butter as the finished chin will fall apart.
- A pasta machine helps you stretch and shape the dough. Check out how I use it Ghana Chin Chin Recipe.
- When frying, pay attention to the temperature of the oil and be careful not to overheat it. Also, be careful not to overcrowd the frying pan as this will cause the temperature of the oil to drop rapidly, making it easier for the oil to form cracks.
How to prepare and store
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for about a month, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
What goes well with Nigerian chin chin
Chin Chin can be eaten as is or with dip (chocolate sauce or caramel sauce It’s especially delicious). Or serve with other delicious snacks. plantain chips.
You can also include Nigerian Chin Chin as part of a larger snack platter with other treats such as: puff puff, meat pieor Sambusas For variety. Wash everything down with some sorrel drink. 🤤
Try more festive African dishes
On top of that Popular recipes for Christmas celebrationstry these recipes.
- ghana jollof rice
- chocolate malva pudding
- mini mandazi
- Shukshuku
- coconut rock buns
by Imma
See how to make
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”leWUmIP9″ upload-date=”Mon Aug 06 2018 20:14:42 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)” name=”Chin Chin” description=”Chin Chin – West African Fried pastry enjoyed throughout the region especially in Nigeria- Crispy Crunchy and Addictive.”]
This blog post was originally published in November 2012 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and videos.
