Recipe: South African Traditional Vetkoek (Fried Bread)
Vetkoek, also known as fat cake, is a classic South African treat—a crispy fried bread that’s versatile and delicious. You can customize their size to suit any occasion, making smaller ones perfect for party snacks. These flavorful bites can be stuffed with a variety of fillings like meat, tuna and mayo, syrup, curried minced meat, cheese, or whatever you fancy. Quick to prepare, simple to make, and incredibly tasty!
Vetkoek (Fried Bread)
Vetkoek is a traditional South African crispy fried bread sometimes called fat cake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups lukewarm water
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
- 7 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 3 cups oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and bubbles slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Sift together flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Pour yeast mixture over flour mixture and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. Cover bowl with a clean cloth and let dough rise until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.
- Pinch off a piece of dough about the size of a tennis ball; roll until smooth. Flatten ball of dough until it is palm-sized; set aside on a floured work surface. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Fry in hot oil, 2 to 3 pieces at a time, until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
