Name: South African Traditional Vetkoek (Fried Bread)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 2 cups lukewarm water; 0.25 cup white sugar; 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast; 7 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons salt; 3 cups oil for frying

South African Traditional Vetkoek (Fried Bread) Recipe

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe is crafted for its original yield. Adjusted ingredient amounts are calculated automatically, but cooking steps and timing remain the same. Note that scaling recipes may affect the final texture.

2 cups lukewarm water
cup white sugar
1 (0.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
7 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
3 cups oil for frying

Directions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes, until the yeast softens and becomes slightly bubbly.

Step 2: Sift together the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Pour the yeast mixture over the flour mixture. Knead thoroughly for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If needed, add small amounts of flour or water to achieve the right consistency.

Step 4: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for approximately 45 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Pinch off a portion of dough about the size of a tennis ball. Roll it into a smooth ball, then flatten it with your palm to form a disk. Place on a floured surface. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 6: Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350F (175C).

Step 7: Fry 2 to 3 pieces of dough at a time in the hot oil. Cook for roughly 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Cook's Note

Adjust flour or water while kneading if necessary to maintain a smooth, elastic dough. Frying times may vary slightly depending on the size of the dough pieces and the oil temperature.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 332
Total Fat: 6g (8%)
Saturated Fat: 1g (4%)
Sodium: 391mg (17%)
Total Carbohydrate: 60g (22%)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (8%)
Total Sugars: 4g
Protein: 8g (16%)
Calcium: 13mg (1%)
Iron: 4mg (19%)
Potassium: 90mg (2%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Individual values may vary. Nutrient information is calculated based on available data and may not include all ingredients.

Comments

Kim Miller

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Perfect!!!

Angelique

07/03/2025 11:26:44 AM

Reel nice textures and delicious

TrustyVeal1618

03/08/2025 09:14:36 AM

Turned out perfect, so easy.

Jack Roberts

02/10/2025 01:04:37 PM

Bro, I feel like a cooking legend.

Benjamin Robinson

01/04/2025 05:23:31 PM

Made it for dinner — everyone loved it.

Nathan Torres

10/27/2024 07:38:33 AM

Even my picky eater loved it.

AcePeas8608

09/17/2024 01:55:46 PM

Perfect Recipe

Sharon Jones

07/05/2024 05:48:55 PM

Used what I had on hand — still turned out great.

GTF4Life

07/05/2024 03:32:58 PM

love it!! make it every chance we get and have friends who come over just for this. only thing i wouls say is if its too wet, add flour and if too dry add water, get it to a texture you can work with it. better little on the wet side, too dry doesnt puff as well