Koeksisters
Koeksisters are a traditional South African dessert. These twisted syrup-infused doughnut pastries are braided and fried, then soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup.
Ingredients - Serves 12
- Ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
- Water - 1 cup
- Sugar - 2 cups
- Vegetable oil - For deep frying
- Milk - 1/2 cup
- Egg - 1
- Butter - 2 tablespoons
- Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking powder - 2 teaspoons
- All-purpose flour - 2 cups
Let's Get Started
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together. Gradually add this to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, then cover and let rest for 1 hour.
- While the dough is resting, make the syrup. Combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut into strips, then braid three strips together to form the koeksisters.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the koeksisters until golden brown, then immediately dip in the cooled syrup. Let soak for a minute, then remove and let drain on a wire rack.
Dietary Info
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 20g