Vibibi or little coconut rice pancakes is a delicious dish from Kenya. Hundreds of years ago many different nations arrived to trade in Kenya along its coasts. Many of these countries influenced and blended with African traditions within Kenya. In cities like Mombasa, Arab and Indian influences help form the spice blend we see in Vibibi. In Swahili, Vibibi means little ladies and more than one so this recipes makes about 6 pancakes. But if you only want one, just say “kibibi”.
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (125 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) sugar
- 1 1/3 cups (304 ml) rice flour
- 1/8 teaspoon (.5 ml) cardamom
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) coconut milk
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
Let’s Make It!
- PLAN AHEAD: It takes an hour for the batter to rise for this recipe.
- In a small bowl, mix yeast, water, and pinch of sugar. Let stand for about 5 minutes and the mixture will start to foam.
- In a big bowl mix sugar, rice, flour and cardamom. Then add coconut milk and yeast mixture. Stir well.
- Note: The batter should be pourable like pancake batter. If not, add a little water.
- Cover the bowl with a towel and leave it alone for at least an hour.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan on medium heat. Pour roughly 1/4 cup of batter in the pan and spread to form a small pancake.
- When bubbles start to form, flip the pancake to cook the other side.
- Repeat steps 5-6 to cook the rest of the batter. Be sure to heat a little more oil on the pan before pouring.
- Serve with fresh fruit and enjoy!
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The Traveller's Wife 