How to Make and Sell Magwinya

Amagwinya (Magwinya), Vetkoek, Fat Cake, Puff Puff… the dough mixture, shaped into a round ball and fried in a big pot of oil, is a popular snack in many African homes and has been baptised with different names across Africa.

Magwinya is a staple street food often sold by women on the side of the road or in a shack structure in the buzzing townships of Mzansi. Magwinya businesses have generated an income for many homes.

South Africa has a staggering unemployment rate, and for women who have passed the youth bracket, finding work isn’t any easier. Thus, they turn to this homemade hit. In this article, we’ll explain how you can do the same.

How to Make Magwinya

To make amagwinya, you don’t need to be a Michelin-star chef. Some cooking experience is all that’s required to follow the necessary food safety steps when working with hot stoves, hot oil, and general cooking equipment. However, the recipe is very beginner-friendly. Here is an easy magwinya recipe you can follow:

Magwinya (Fat Cakes) Recipe

This recipe makes 13-15 magwinya.

Ingredients:

3 cups cake wheat flour
1 tablespoon instant yeast
3-6 tablespoons sugar (6 tablespoons recommended for better balance with yeast)
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon oil (canola or other) or butter
Oil for frying

Method:

1. Combine the dry ingredients: Use a large bowl to add the flour, salt, instant dry yeast, and sugar.
2. Add wet ingredients: Pour in the oil and gradually add the warm water, mixing continuously.
3. Mix thoroughly: Mix very well until all the flour is incorporated and there are no pockets of dry ingredients, especially yeast. You can start with a whisk or spoon, but the best method is to use your hand to ensure thorough mixing and to prevent any bitter yeast pockets in your magwinya.
4. First rise (proofing): Here you can choose from two methods, the difference being the time.
   First method: Cover the container with plastic wrap, cling film, or a damp cloth and set it aside for 2 hours.
   Second method: Fill a sink with warm water and place your covered container in it. This warm environment speeds up yeast activity. After 30 minutes, gently press down the dough to release the air, then let it sit for another 30 minutes.
5. Second rise: After the dough has risen, flatten it again by gently pressing down with a spatula or spoon to remove all air pockets.
6. Shaping the dough: To form balls, pick up some dough in your hand and clench your fist, allowing the dough to drop through the opening between your thumb and index finger. Clenching your fist harder helps cut off any excess dough for a nice round shape.
7. Frying: In preheated oil, drop the dough balls. Fry them until they are golden brown on all sides.
8. Drain and serve: Remove the fried magwinya and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy your magwinya with tea, mince, polony, artchaar, or anything your heart desires.

How to Start Selling Magwinya

Now that you know how to make magwinya, your focus will be to legitimise it as a food business. The food industry requires you to be meticulous and implement a hygiene protocol for your business.

While magwinya is commonly known as street food, you don’t have to restrict your business to that. To create a more professional and reliable image, you must register your business. This is a compliance requirement that will allow your business to scale and grow.

For instance, if you have a registered business and have processes where you track your earnings, you can apply for funding when your business is ready to scale. This will allow you to buy equipment that lets you make many pieces at a time

Here are five steps you need to follow to start selling magwinya successfully:

1. Choose a location: Find a hotspot that has many pedestrians passing by. Find out which hotspots are in your neighbourhood and consult with your municipality for a trader licence.
2. Prepare your equipment: A magwinya business doesn’t require you to purchase advanced equipment. All you need is a stove, clothes, a pot, and bowls for food preparation. Additionally, you will need plastic pockets to use to serve your customers.
3. Buy your ingredients: Calculate how many magwinya you need to make per week, and use that to determine the quantity of ingredients needed.
4. Register your business: While registering a street food business isn’t very common, it’s important that you approach this business with the intention of longevity.
5. Brand and market your business: Branding your business allows people to recognise your brand, making it easier to spread the word. Additionally, WhatsApp community groups are commonly used to market local businesses.