South African Traditional Fried Bread (Vetkoek)
Vetkoek is a South African fried yeast bread whose name means "fat cake", and it is soft inside with a crisp golden shell. The dough is a plain mix of flour, yeast, sugar and water, so the frying does the work of building flavor and texture. Split one open and fill it with minced beef, or serve it as a sweet treat with cheese, syrup, honey or jam.
Instructions
Stir the yeast and sugar into warm water and leave it for 5 minutes. It is ready when the yeast has softened and the surface starts to bubble.
Sift the flour into a large bowl and mix in the salt. Pour in the yeast liquid and stir until the batter comes together without lumps.
Stir or knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes, until it feels smooth and stretchy.
Move the dough to a clean bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Leave it in a warm place for about 45 minutes, until it has doubled in size.
Pinch off pieces about the size of a tennis ball and roll each into a ball. Flatten the balls slightly with your palm.
Heat enough oil for deep-frying to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2 to 3 pieces at a time for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown all over.
Make it personal.
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