Discover how to make Vetkoek, a popular South African fried dough bread that's perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe features fluffy, golden-brown dough that can be filled with savory minced meat or enjoyed with sweet syrup. Perfect for a hearty snack or a satisfying meal, Vetkoek is versatile and delicious. Learn how to prepare and cook this traditional treat with our step-by-step guide.

Ingredients:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 2 tablespoons sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1 cup warm water

- 2 teaspoons instant yeast

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (plus more for frying)

- Savory fillings (optional, e.g., minced meat, cheese, or vegetables)

- Syrup or honey (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.

  - In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

  - Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.

  - Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape and Fry:

  - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).

  - Flatten each ball into a disc shape.

  - Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).

  - Fry the dough discs in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.

  - Drain on paper towels.

Serve:

  - If using savory fillings, cut the Vetkoek open and stuff with your choice of fillings.

  - For a sweet touch, serve with syrup or honey drizzled on top.

Enjoy your homemade Vetkoek as a tasty snack or meal!

Nutritional values

All-Purpose Flour (4 cups)

  - Per cup (120g): Approximately

   - 455 calories

   - 13g protein

   - 95g carbohydrates

   - 1g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides carbohydrates: Main source of energy.

   - Contains protein and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Sugar (2 tablespoons)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 48 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 12g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides quick energy.

   - Enhances flavor in recipes.

Salt (1 teaspoon)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 0 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Enhances flavor.

   - Regulates fluid balance and nerve function.

Baking Powder (2 teaspoons)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 6 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Helps leaven baked goods, making them rise.

   - Contains sodium: Contributes to overall sodium intake.

1 cup warm water

  - Per cup: Approximately

   - 0 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Hydrates dough and helps activate yeast.

Instant Yeast (2 teaspoons)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 7 calories

   - 0.8g protein

   - 0.5g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Helps dough rise and improve texture.

   - Provides B vitamins and minerals.

Vegetable Oil (1/4 cup, plus more for frying)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 120 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 14g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides monounsaturated fats: Good for heart health.

   - Enhances flavor and texture in cooking and frying.

Savory Fillings (optional, e.g., minced meat, cheese, or vegetables)

Minced Meat (per 100g):

   - 250 calories (beef), 294 calories (lamb), 165 calories (chicken)

   - 26g protein (beef), 25g protein (lamb), 31g protein (chicken)

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 15g fat (beef), 21g fat (lamb), 3.6g fat (chicken)

Cheese (per 100g):

   - 402 calories

   - 25g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 33g fat

Vegetables (varies, per 100g):

   - 25-50 calories

   - 1-3g protein

   - 5-10g carbohydrates

   - 0-1g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds protein and nutrients: Depending on filling type.

   - Enhances flavor and nutritional profile.

Syrup or Honey (optional)

Honey (per tablespoon):

   - 64 calories

   - 0.1g protein

   - 17g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Syrup (per tablespoon):

   - 52 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 13g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides natural sweetness.

   - Honey has antioxidants and may have antibacterial properties.