Scones are a beloved teatime treat worldwide, known for their tender crumb and buttery flavor. But have you ever tried making them with amasi? This South African fermented milk adds a subtle tang and incredible moisture, giving your scones a soft, fluffy texture that’s simply irresistible. Here’s a recipe that brings a local twist to a classic favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, for slightly sweet scones)
- ½ cup cold butter, diced
- 1 cup amasi (slightly thick, fermented milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Extra flour for dusting
Optional add-ins:
- Handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the butter: Add cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the amasi, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Form the dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or spoon until it just comes together. Avoid overmixing—the dough should be slightly sticky.
- Shape the scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 2–3 cm thick rectangle. Cut into triangles or use a round cutter for traditional shapes.
- Bake: Place the scones on the prepared tray, leaving space between them. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Cool slightly and serve: Let the scones cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, jam, or honey.
Tips for Perfect Scones
- Keep the butter cold: This ensures the scones stay light and flaky.
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can make scones tough.
- Amasi substitute: If you can’t find amasi, buttermilk works well, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Serving suggestion: These scones pair beautifully with a cup of rooibos tea for an authentic South African teatime experience.
These amasi scones are soft, tangy, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. They bring a little local flair to a classic favorite—guaranteed to impress your friends and family!
