Namibian recipe
How to make Fat cakes
vetkoek (Afrikaans), oukuki (Oshiwambo)
All of Namibia
Balls of yeast dough deep-fried until golden, sold by street vendors all over the country. In Namibia they are also called 'junkies'. They are eaten with kapana, split and filled with mince, or with jam.
Ingredients
- 500 g plain flour
- 1 packet (10 g) instant dried yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon salt
- About 350 ml lukewarm water
- Oil for deep-frying
Method
- Mix the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a bowl. Add the water a little at a time and mix to a soft dough.
- Knead for 5 minutes, cover and leave in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Pinch off pieces the size of a small egg and roll them into balls.
- Heat the oil in a deep pan to about 170 °C and fry a few balls at a time for 3 to 4 minutes, turning, until golden and cooked through. Drain on kitchen paper. Never leave hot oil unattended.
Made it at home? Tick it off and it goes into your kitchen passport.
Vetkoek means 'fat cake' in Afrikaans.
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