South African Traditional Vetkoek (Fried Bread)

4.8
(27)

Vetkoek is a traditional South African crispy fried bread sometimes called fat cake. You can make them any size you wish; they're a great party snack when made small. They can be filled with meat, tuna and mayo, syrup, curried minced meat, cheese, or basically anything you feel like using. They're fast, easy, and very tasty.

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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Additional Time:
50 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
12
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 2 cups lukewarm water

  • ¼ cup white sugar

  • 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

  • 7 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 3 cups oil for frying

Directions

  1. Mix lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and bubbles slightly, about 5 minutes.

  2. Sift together flour and salt in a large bowl.

  3. Pour yeast mixture over flour mixture and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. Cover bowl with a clean cloth and let dough rise until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.

  4. Pinch off a piece of dough about the size of a tennis ball; roll until smooth. Flatten ball of dough until it is palm-sized; set aside on a floured work surface. Repeat with remaining dough.

  5. Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  6. Fry in hot oil, 2 to 3 pieces at a time, until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Cook’s Note

You may need to add more flour or water while kneading to achieve a bread dough consistency.

Editor's Note:

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. Amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.

33 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

332 Calories
6g Fat
60g Carbs
8g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 332
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 4%
Sodium 391mg 17%
Total Carbohydrate 60g 22%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 8g 16%
Calcium 13mg 1%
Iron 4mg 19%
Potassium 90mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.