| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 220 | 6g | 1g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 1g | 6g | 0.21g |
About Vetkoek
Indulge with us on an exploration of Vetkoek, a beloved South African bread with a rich history and a taste that comforts the soul. This bread, pronounced as “Fet-cook”, is a staple in many South African homes and is commonly sold in street food stalls throughout the country. With its golden brown exterior and soft, fluffy texture on the inside, Vetkoek is a true palette pleaser.
The Making of Vetkoek
This bread’s composition is quite straightforward, and yet, it holds a charm that is undeniably enticing. Vetkoek is essentially a deep-fried dough, its primary ingredients including all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and a pinch of salt. It’s enriched further with a large egg and a dash of vegetable oil. Finally, warm water is gently incorporated into the mix to create the dough, which is then left to rise before being carefully shaped and deep-fried into the characteristic rounds of glorious golden Vetkoek.
Serving Suggestions and Similar Dishes
Vetkoek is versatile and can be a part of any meal. Typically, it’s served with a delicious filling like savory mince or spreads like jam or honey. In terms of taste and texture, it closely resembles Johnny Cakes, a popular snack in Caribbean cuisine. If you’ve enjoyed making pastries like brioche bread, you’ll certainly enjoy kneading and shaping these delightful dumplings.
Moreover, Vetkoek pairs well with a bowl of soup, making it an ideal accompaniment for dishes like South African beef soup. There’s no question that the hearty Vetkoek – with its rich, bread-like interior and crisp, fried exterior – efficiently sponges up broths and gravies, deeply enhancing the eating experience.
In a nutshell, Vetkoek is more than just a bread; it’s a culinary endeavor that promises to add warmth to your kitchen and palette. Bake a batch of your very own and enjoy this South African gem. We assure you it’s a journey worth embarking on.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- 1 sachet (0.25 ounces) of active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup of warm water
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Vegetable oil for frying
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Make sure to stir the ingredients together until well mixed.
Step Two
In a separate, smaller bowl, mix together the 1 sachet of active dry yeast and the 3/4 cup of warm water. Stir until the yeast is fully dissolved.
Step Three
Create a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and add the yeast mixture. Also add in the 1 large egg and the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Stir all ingredients together until a dough is formed.
Step Four
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
Step Five
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover. Let it rise in a warm area for around 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step Six
After the dough has risen, divide it into small balls – approximately the size of a golf ball.
Step Seven
Heat your vegetable oil for frying in a deep frying pan or pot. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the dough balls into the oil.
Step Eight
Fry the vetkoek until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take around 3 minutes.
Step Nine
Remove the vetkoek from the oil and drain them on a kitchen towel to remove excess oil.
Step Ten
Enjoy your homemade vetkoek while they are still warm! They can be eaten on their own, or with your favourite fillings or spreads.
