African Koeksister Recipe
Not only is Africa known for its wildlife, but its amazing food too.
Along this journey I will share some of my family’s favourites so that you too can taste a piece of Africa. Delicious treats that everyone loves.
If you are South African, or know a South African, you would have been introduced to the koeksister. Crispy deep-fried pastry, dipped in a beautiful aromatic syrup.
I hope you all enjoy as much as we do.
African food is part of everyones heart and soul
SYRUP
500g white sugar
pinch of salt
1 tablespoon of fresh chopped ginger
1 cinnamon stick
2 ½ tsp lemon juice
250ml water
THE DOUGH
1 ½ cups of flour
4 ½ tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
150ml milk
Place the water and sugar in a pot and bring to the boil while stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the ginger, salt and lemon juice and simmer for about 7 minutes. Remove from heat, and once cooled place in the fridge overnight.
Mix the flour, salt and baking powder together in a mixing bowl. Break the butter into small pieces and add to the flour mixture. Add the milk, and mix until a dough is formed.
Roll the dough to a thickness of around 5mm. Cut into thin strips. Take 3 strips and join the ends. Braid the strips until they are between 5 and 10 cm long and join the ends.
Heat oil in a pot, or deep fryer, and cook your koeksisters on both sides until they are golden brown. Remove from oil, and place directly into the chilled syrup. Remove from syrup and let excess drip off. Place them in the fridge when done. Once cooled, all that is left to do is enjoy!
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