In Hawaii, Mardi Gras is Malasada Day
Next Tuesday is Fat Tuesday also known as Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday – the indulgent celebration before the Lenten season begins. In Hawaii, Mardi Gras is also known as Malasada Day, a nod to the culinary indulgences typically experienced on that day.
Malasadas in Hawaii
Malasadas have a long history in Hawaii extending from the time they were brought over by Portuguese laborers working on sugar plantations. Like many dishes shared between workers from different countries, malasadas have grown into local Hawaii favorite. One of the famous versions comes from Leonard’s Bakery where locals and visitors enjoy these freshly fried and sugared doughnuts. I’ve been told by some that malasadas in Hawaii aren’t true Portuguese malasadas. But ask anyone in Hawaii if that makes a difference. Spoiler alert, it doesn’t.
Middle school home economics
Not to date myself but when I attended middle school (called intermediate school back then) they still taught one semester of home economics and one semester of shop in the 7th grade. I don’t know when those classes were eliminated and truth be told, there is very little I remember from either class. One thing I do remember is making these easy malasadas – yep, they thought it would be a great idea to have a bunch of 12-year-olds work with boiling hot oil.
Good idea or not, this recipe is amazingly easy and delicious. It uses two staples of that time – white sandwich bread and Bisquick. Yes, you read that correctly but don’t let that stop you from trying this recipe.
A traditional malasada is made with a yeasted dough that requires multiple risings and several hours to get to the final result. By comparison, these easy malasadas follow a simple process – make a quick batter with the Bisquick, dip squares of bread in the batter, fry them in hot oil, then roll the malasadas in sugar (granulated, not powdered). That’s it.
One of the magical things about these malasadas (especially to my 7th grade mind) is the bread seems to disappear, replaced by a pillowy doughnut interior.
Try these malasadas for yourself. You won’t regret it. Happy Malasada Day!
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Easy Malasadas
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 28 1x
Description
Malasadas are a popular treat in Hawaii. This easy shortcut recipe was once taught in Hawaii middle school home economics classes.
Ingredients
7 slices white sandwich bread
2 cups Bisquick
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup whole milk
1 cup sugar, to coat malasadas (granulated, not powdered)
Instructions
Heat oil to 350 degrees F.
Trim crusts from bread and cut each slice into quarters. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine Bisquick, baking powder, and sugar. Add beaten egg and milk. Mix well to combine but do not overmix.
Dip each bread quarter in the batter to coat. Carefully drop into the hot oil and deep fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Drain on a rack or paper towel.
Roll in sugar to coat completely. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breads
- Cuisine: Portuguese-Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 malasada
- Calories: 91
- Sugar: 9 g.
- Sodium: 160 mg.
- Fat: 2 g.
- Saturated Fat: 1g.
- Carbohydrates: 17 g.
- Fiber: 0 g.
- Protein: 2 g.
- Cholesterol: 8 mg.
Keywords: Bisquick, white bread
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