How to make South African 'koeksisters'

  1. Make the syrup by putting all the ingredients in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan and heating on a low heat until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Remove from the heat and let it cool.
  3. Once cool, put the syrup in the fridge and leave overnight.
  4. The next day, make the dough.
  5. Mix the flour with the baking powder and salt, then rub the butter into the flour.
  6. Add the egg and the milk.
  7. Check the texture of the dough.
  8. If its too crumbly add a little water; if it's too dry, add a little flour.
  9. It should be easy to knead but not sticky.
  10. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is completely combined.
  11. Cover and leave to rest for at least an hour.
  12. Prepare a deep frying pan with enough oil to deep fry the koeksisters.
  13. Remove the syrup from the fridge and put it into a wide shallow dish.
  14. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a square about 5mm thick.
  15. Cut the dough into rectangles about 5cm wide by 10-15cm.
  16. The koeksisters will expand as they cook.
  17. Do not cut all the way to the top but cut each rectangle into strips of three to be plaited.
  18. Each strip should be about a finger wide, but you want the top bit to remain attached for easier braiding.
  19. Once your doughnuts are plaited then heat up the oil to 180C.
  20. If the oil is too hot the doughnuts will fry too quickly on the outside without getting properly cooked inside.
  21. You want the koeksisters to be a deep golden colour.
  22. As each koeksister is fried, drop it into the cold syrup so it is completely submerged.
  23. The temperature differential is essential in order to achieve a good syrupy koeksister.
  24. Then place it on another plate to be stored in the fridge.
  25. This again will help it achieve crispiness.
  26. Continue until you have fried and soaked all of the koeksisters.
  27. Eat straightaway or later, very cold.

amount of vegetable oil, baking powder, salt, butter, egg, full cream milk, ginger, cinnamon, lime

Taken from www.lovefood.com/guide/recipes/27623/how-to-make-south-african-koeksisters (may not work)

Another recipe

Switch theme