Koeksisters South African Syrup Soaked Fritters
Indulge in the sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible delight of Koeksisters, a classic South African syrup-soaked fritter that’s a feast for the senses. Featuring a perfectly braided dough, fried to golden perfection, and submerged in an aromatic cold syrup infused with cinnamon and a touch of zesty lemon juice, these treats are a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The key to their signature crispy exterior and syrupy, juicy interior lies in the contrast of hot fritters meeting chilled syrup. Whether served as a teatime snack or a decadent dessert, these koeksisters are a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of South African cuisine. Pair them with a cup of coffee or rooibos tea for a truly unforgettable treat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 g All-purpose flour
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 45 g Butter
- 80 ml Cold water
- 80 ml Milk
- 1 Egg
- 500 g Sugar
- 250 ml Water (for syrup)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 0.25 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1 liter Oil (for deep frying)
Instructions
Start by preparing the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, 250 ml water, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Heat over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Bring the syrup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Once done, transfer the syrup to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (cold syrup is key).
In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
Add the butter to the dry ingredients and rub it in with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold water, milk, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth. Cover the dough with a clean dish towel and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Roll the dough out into a rectangular shape about 5 mm thick. Cut the dough into strips approximately 7 cm long and 1.5 cm wide.
Take two strips and braid them together, pinching the ends to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough strips.
Heat the oil in a deep saucepan or fryer to 180°C (350°F). Carefully fry the braided dough in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 2-3 minutes per side).
Remove the koeksisters from the oil using a slotted spoon and immediately submerge them in the ice-cold syrup for about 20-30 seconds. Make sure they soak up the syrup well.
Place the soaked koeksisters on a wire rack to cool and allow excess syrup to drip off. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Serve the koeksisters fresh and enjoy their crunchy, syrupy goodness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though they are best enjoyed on the day they are made.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
11439 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 959.8 g | 1231% | |
| Saturated Fat | 151.2 g | 756% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 309 mg | 103% | |
| Sodium | 2456 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 699.0 g | 254% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.2 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 504.3 g | ||
| Protein | 34.9 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 185 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 12.7 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 498 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
