1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
1.1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well mixed.
1.2. Add the Butter:
- Add the cold, cut butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is similar to making pastry dough and helps to create a tender texture in the buns.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
2.1. Beat the Egg:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg lightly.
2.2. Add the Milk:
- Add the milk to the beaten egg and whisk until well combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
3.1. Mix the Dough:
- Pour the egg and milk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If it’s too dry, you can add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time.
4. Shape the Buns:
4.1. Prepare for Frying:
- In a deep frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the buns as they fry, so about 2-3 inches deep.
4.2. Shape the Dough:
- Using your hands, take small portions of the dough and shape them into rough balls. The size is up to you, but typically Nigerian buns are about the size of a golf ball.
5. Fry the Buns:
5.1. Test the Oil:
- Before frying, test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.
5.2. Fry the Buns:
- Carefully drop the shaped dough balls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the buns in batches if necessary.
5.3. Cook Until Golden Brown:
- Fry the buns for about 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. They should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
5.4. Drain Excess Oil:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the buns from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
6.1. Cool Slightly:
- Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm but can be eaten at room temperature as well.
6.2. Serve:
- Serve your Nigerian buns with a cup of tea, coffee, or your favorite beverage.
Tips for the Perfect Nigerian Buns:
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter buns, you can increase the amount of sugar to 1/3 cup.
- Use Fresh Oil: Using fresh oil for frying will help achieve a clean, crisp exterior.
- Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the buns tough.
- Test a Bun: Before frying all the dough, fry one bun to test the oil temperature and ensure the inside is cooked properly. Adjust the heat as necessary.
These Nigerian Buns are a delightful snack that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends, serving them at a gathering, or just treating yourself, these buns are sure to be a hit.