Koeksisters are a South African pastry that's both sweet and syrupy. They are twisted and deep-fried pastries that are soaked in syrup, resulting in a delicious, sticky treat. A step-by-step guide on how to make Koeksisters:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
For the Syrup:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- A few pieces of lemon zest (optional)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Instructions:
For the Dough:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs.
- Pour the milk and egg mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until it forms a soft, pliable dough. Add a little more milk if needed to achieve the right consistency.
2. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it until it's smooth and elastic. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
For the Syrup:
3. Prepare the Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon stick (if using), and lemon zest (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens slightly. The syrup should be slightly sticky.
4. Remove from Heat:
- Remove the syrup from heat and allow it to cool. Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon zest, if used.
To Make the Koeksisters:
5. Roll and Shape the Dough:
- Roll out the rested dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into strips, about 2 inches wide and 4-6 inches long.
- Make a lengthwise slit in the center of each strip, leaving about 1 inch uncut at the top.
6. Twist the Dough:
- Take one end of the strip and pull it through the slit to create a twisted shape. Pinch the ends to seal.
7. Heat the Oil:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep saucepan or deep fryer to around 350-375°F (175-190°C).
8. Fry the Koeksisters:
- Carefully fry the twisted dough strips in batches. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as they expand during frying.
- Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Soak in Syrup:
- While the Koeksisters are still hot, remove them from the oil and immediately immerse them in the cooled syrup. Let them soak for a few minutes.
10. Serve:
- Remove the Koeksisters from the syrup and place them on a wire rack to drain and cool.
- Serve the Koeksisters once they have cooled and the syrup has set.
Enjoy your homemade Koeksisters, a sweet and syrupy South African treat!