South African Traditional Vetkoek

4.80 (32)
⏱ 75 mins 🍽 Serves 12 🌶 african 🏷 Snack

Vetkoek, also known as fat cake, is a beloved South African fried dough snack. It features a wonderfully crisp golden exterior that gives way to a soft, fluffy centre. These versatile breads are commonly served stuffed with various fillings, from curried mince to sweet syrups. The recipe involves a simple yeast dough that is left to rise before being shaped and deep-fried to perfection. This method yields about 12 pieces, ideal for sharing.

South African Traditional Vetkoek

Ingredients

  • 2 cups lukewarm water
  • 0.25 cup white sugar
  • 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
  • 7 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 3 cups oil for frying

Method

  1. Combine the lukewarm water, white sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Allow this to rest for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
  2. In a separate large bowl, sift the all-purpose flour together with the salt.
  3. Add the yeast liquid to the dry ingredients and knead the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Cover the bowl with a cloth and leave the dough to rise for about 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Take a portion of dough roughly the size of a tennis ball and roll it smooth. Press it flat until it is about the size of your palm. Place it on a surface dusted with flour. Continue this process with all the remaining dough.
  5. Pour oil into a deep-fryer or a large saucepan and heat it to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  6. Cook the dough pieces in the hot oil, adding 2 to 3 at a time. Fry each side for about 3 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown. Transfer the cooked vetkoek to paper towels to drain.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories332 kcal
Fat6 g
Sugars4 g
Protein8 g
Sodium391 mg

Recipe details

CategorySnack
Cuisineafrican
Authorgerhardp