Vetkoek recipe: How to make Durban's favourite comfort snack
Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. Here's how to make your own vetkoek at home with this easy recipe.
Winter has officially arrived, and that means many people are craving warm, comforting foods. One of the most popular winter treats in South Africa is amagwinya, also known as fat cakes or vetkoek.
These golden brown, deep-fried dough balls are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. While some people enjoy them as a snack, others consider them a meal, especially when paired with savoury fillings and sides.
Although vetkoek is enjoyed throughout the year, they are particularly popular during the colder months because they are filling and usually served fresh and hot.
For decades, street vendors across Durban and other parts of South Africa have sold amagwinya on street corners, bus routes and taxi ranks. Decades ago, it was common to see women carrying buckets filled with freshly made amagwinya on their heads as they moved through neighbourhoods selling them.
One of the reasons vetkoek remains so popular is its versatility. It can be enjoyed with almost anything. Many South Africans love eating them with atchar, the spicy oil-based pickle that originated in India and has become a staple in many local households. Others enjoy them with polony and chips, while some members of the Indian community pair them with curry or mince for a hearty and delicious meal.
If you would like to make your own amagwinya at home this winter, here’s a simple recipe to follow. It can serve up to six people.
Recipe
Ingredients:
8 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
3 cups lukewarm water or enough to cover the dough
5g active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups of oil for frying
Method:
- In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients
- Gradually add the lukewarm water and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the whole bowl with plastic and set aside for an hour, until the dough has risen or doubled in size. Ensure that no air can get through.
- Remove the plastic cover and mix the dough a little bit.
- Shape the dough into balls (whichever size you prefer).
- Heat oil in a pot until very hot.
- Place the shaped dough into the boiling oil and deep fry, changing sides, until golden brown.
- Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve warm with atchar, polony, curry or your favourite filling.
Enjoy!
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