Koeksisters are a beloved South African delicacy, characterized by their twisted, syrup-soaked dough. These sweet treats have a unique blend of cultural influences, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
| Country | South Africa |
| Degree of Difficulty | Medium |
| Type of Food | Dessert, Snack, or Breakfast |
| Cooking Time | 1 hour |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Serving Size | 20 koeksisters (10-12 people) |
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup of cold butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- For the Syrup:
- 2 cups of white sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Steps or Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and rub them into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and buttermilk together.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Add more buttermilk if needed.
- Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into strips about 4 inches long and 1/2 inch wide.
- Twist each strip into a braid or knot shape and press the ends to seal.
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, cream of tartar, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the syrup thickens slightly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully fry the dough twists in batches until they are deep golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the fried koeksisters from the oil and immediately dip them in the warm syrup, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Allow the koeksisters to cool and soak in the syrup for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 6g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- Some recipes call for a touch of ground cinnamon or ginger in the dough for extra flavor.
Tips or Variations:
- For a twist, you can add a bit of orange zest to the syrup for a citrusy note.
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe: Koeksisters are particularly popular in South Africa and neighboring countries.
Allergen Checklist:
- Koeksisters contain gluten and dairy
- They are not suitable for vegans