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Koeksisters

Koeksisters

Golden, crunchy South African Koeksisters soaked in syrup. A sweet braided pastry that’s crisp on the outside and sticky inside.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: South African
Calories: 460
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Syryp
  • 2 cups 400g sugar
  • 1 cup 250ml water
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Dough
  • 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
  • pinch flour to lightly flour surface for rolling dough
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup 125ml milk
  • 1 egg
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Sieve
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Whisk or wooden spoon
  • 1 Sharp knife of pastry cutter
  • 1 Rolling Pin
  • 1 Clean Kitchen Towel
  • 1 Large, heavy based pot or deep fryer
  • 1 Slotted Spoon
  • 1 Cooking rack or tray
  • 1 Saucepan
  • 1 Thermometer Optional

Method
 

Syryp
  1. Combine sugar, water, and cream of tartar in a pot and boil for 10 minutes.
  2. Add vanilla and lemon juice.
  3. Let cool completely and refrigerate.
Dough
  1. Heat oil to medium-hot (170°C / 340°F).
  2. Sieve together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Rub in butter with fingertips.
  4. Beaten egg and milk. Add to sieved ingredients to form a soft dough.
  5. Lightly flour your working surface.
  6. Roll out to 5mm thickness and cut into strips (about 10cm long).
  7. Braid strips and pinch ends to seal.
  8. Fry koeksisters until golden brown.
  9. Immediately dip hot koeksisters into cold syrup.
  10. Place on a wire rack to drain.

Notes

Best served chilled — deliciously syrupy and crunchy.  Pair with our Hertzoggies recipe to complete your sweet tray when entertaining.
Tip: Make small balls of dough instead of braids for bitesize snacks as an alternative.
Nutrition (per serving): 
 Calories: 460 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 68g | Fibre: 1g