Printed September 1, 2026
Tahitian Firi Firi with Passion Fruit Drizzle
These figure-eight donuts are French Polynesia's answer to morning sweetness—light, yeasty, and traditionally dunked in coffee while watching the sunrise over turquoise lagoons. The passion fruit brings the islands straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup coconut milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
- Coconut oil for frying
- 3 passion fruits
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Preparation
On the islands of French Polynesia, Sunday mornings mean firi firi from roadside stands, their twisted shapes as distinctive as the islands themselves. The figure-eight isn't just decorative—it creates more crispy edges and better coffee-dunking architecture.
Shaping Island Dreams
Combine warm coconut milk, water, sugar, and yeast. Let proof for 10 minutes. Mix in flour, salt, and both extracts, kneading until smooth but slightly sticky, about 8 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into strips about 6 inches long and 1 inch wide. Twist each strip into a figure-eight shape, pinching the center crossing point firmly. Let rest 15 minutes.
Frying and Glazing
Heat 2 inches of coconut oil to 350°F. Fry the firi firi for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden. Drain on paper towels.
Scoop passion fruit pulp and seeds into a bowl. Whisk in powdered sugar and lime juice until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm firi firi, letting the tropical glaze pool in those figure-eight curves. Close your eyes with the first bite and hear the Pacific waves.
