Firi Firi, Tahitian Coconut Donuts

 

I can imagine that more than once, while still half-asleep, dipping a cookie into your coffee, you've wondered first and foremost what people in Tahiti have for breakfast. Here's the answer.

It's called Firi Firi, and it's so easy to make with such common ingredients that you can whip it up at home and imagine yourself in that paradise.

It's a kind of donut that uses coconut milk and coconut water in its composition. Locals mainly consume them for breakfast – much like we do with churros. However, the trend is to cook them, especially on Sundays when there's no need to rush to work, allowing you to make and savor them with much more leisure.

They have a characteristic figure-eight shape, although you can also find them as simple rings or even in elongated cylindrical shapes similar to churros.

INGREDIENTS (for a dozen Firi Firi):

• 300 grams (10.5 oz) of all purpose flour
• Half a cup (100 ml) of coconut milk
• Half a cup (100 ml) of coconut water
• 50 grams (1.8 oz) of sugar
• 1 packet of dry baker's yeast (around 20 grams/0.7 oz)
• Sunflower, corn, or canola oil
• Optional: grated coconut, powdered sugar

Firstly, remember that coconut milk is not the same as coconut water. Coconut water is found inside the fruit and looks similar to regular water. It's often consumed as a refreshing beverage, but be careful as it can have a laxative effect. On the other hand, coconut milk is obtained by extracting the pulp and has a color very similar to regular milk.

You wake up in the morning, peek out the window, and see "this" enjoying your Firi Firi, and suddenly life takes on a different hue.

First, mix the flour with the sugar and dry baker's yeast.

Next, pour in the milk and coconut water until a homogeneous paste is formed. If you have a dough mixer, this is the time to use it.

If you like to have bits of grated coconut in it, incorporate around 50 grams (1.8 oz)

Leave it in a warm, draft-free, and dark place for at least two hours to allow the yeast to rise.

After the time has elapsed, knead lightly with your hands and then divide into 12 portions. The obtained balls are shaped into an elongated cylinder that is joined at the ends. Then, fold it in the middle to give it an eight-shaped form. Let them rest for about 15 minutes.

In a deep frying pan, pour a good amount of oil. Heat over medium heat, and when the oil is hot, add the Firi Firi one by one - or several if the pan is large, but avoid them touching each other - and fry for 2 or 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.

Remove them from the pan and place them on absorbent paper. If you prefer them sweeter, you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar, although it is not traditional.