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Viazi Karai

A Zanzibari street favorite of soft boiled potatoes coated in a turmeric-yellow batter and deep-fried until crackling, served with fiery tamarind sauce.

40 minutes
Serves 4
Snack

Instructions

  1. 1

    Boil the whole peeled potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes until just fork-tender but still firm, then drain and cut each into quarters.

  2. 2

    While the potatoes cool, whisk the chickpea flour, turmeric, salt, and baking powder with about 2/3 cup of water into a smooth, pourable batter.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 360°F until shimmering.

  4. 4

    Dip the potato quarters into the batter, letting the excess drip off, then fry in batches for 3 to 4 minutes until the coating is crisp and deep golden.

  5. 5

    Lift the viazi karai out with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, then serve immediately with tamarind chutney for dipping.

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