Cookbook:Vetkoek (South African Fried Dough)

Vetkoek is a South African fried dough. It can be savory or sweet—the recipe below makes sweet doughnut-like pastries.

Ingredients

 * 5 cups flour
 * 1 sachet of instant dry yeast
 * 750 ml warm water
 * 1 teaspoon salt
 * 1 cup white granulated sugar
 * 750 ml oil, for frying

Procedure

 * 1) In a large bowl combine the flour, salt, sugar and yeast.
 * 2) Add water, and mix until a dough forms.
 * 3) Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes.
 * 4) Put the dough in an oiled bowl, and cover it tightly. Let the dough rise for 1–2 hours.
 * 5) Heat the oil in a pot (target temperature should be around 350–375°F).
 * 6) Shape the dough into balls, and add to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot or let the temperature drop too much.
 * 7) Continue turning the dough balls until golden brown all over and cooked through.
 * 8) Serve hot or cold with cold or hot beverage.