Hollow Vetkoek Recipes

SOUTH AFRICAN TRADITIONAL VETKOEK (FRIED BREAD)

Steps:

• Mix lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to bubble slightly, about 5 minutes.
• Sift flour and salt together in a large bowl.
• Pour water mixture over flour mixture and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. Cover bowl with clean cloth and let dough rise until until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.
• Pinch off a piece of dough about the size of a tennis ball; roll until smooth. Flatten ball of dough until it is the size of palm; set aside on a floured work surface. Repeat with remaining dough.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Fry flattened pieces of dough in the hot oil, 2 to 3 pieces at a time, until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.

HOLLOW VETKOEK

Steps:

• 1. Add the flour into a bowl or kneading machine
• 2. Add all the other ingredients to the bowl and knead until you have stiff dough
• 3. Form dough into a ball then rub with olive oil and cover with plastic wrap so it won't dry out
• 4. Let it rest for about 30 minutes
• 5. On a lightly floured surface, punch down and roll out with a rolling pin to about 1/2 inch thick
• 6. Use a round cookie cutter about 3 inches in diameter and press out pieces of dough
• 7. Rest the round dough pieces onto parchment paper until all is done.
• 8. Heat the oil for deep frying while gathering the leftover cut dough
• 9. Form the leftover dough into a ball and roll out again, then cut more round pieces.
• 10. Take a small piece of the leftover dough and test the oil, the dough should sizzle
• 11. When the oil is ready, take the round pieces of dough and carefully insert into the hot oil. Depending on the size of the pot, add a few at a time.
• 12. Using a food tong, soon as the dough goes brown on the bottom, turn them with the tong so they can equally brown. Some might roll over by itself.
• 13. The fried vetkoek will be ready to remove when it is golden brown all round, remove and let it rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
• 14. These vetkoeks should be hollow inside and after cutting a slight incision on one side, can be filled with savoury minced meat, curried meat or vegetables.