Best Occasions to Serve Koeksisters

Koeksisters are a beloved South African treat that can brighten any event, but they truly stand out during special celebrations. In South Africa, they’re commonly enjoyed on Sunday afternoons paired with a warm cup of rooibos tea, a herbal drink that is uniquely native to the region. Koeksisters also make frequent appearances at church bazaars, family gatherings, and festive events such as Heritage Day, a national holiday that celebrates the country’s cultural diversity.

No matter the occasion, koeksisters offer a perfect balance of sweetness and nostalgia. Whether you’re at a summer braai (South Africa’s famous BBQ) or curled up at a cosy winter get-together, these syrup-drenched delicacies add a comforting touch. And here’s a tip: koeksisters are best served chilled, so keep some in the fridge for whenever your sweet tooth strikes!

Koeksister recipe

Koeksister Recipe

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Equipment:

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Deep Fryer (or a large deep pot)
  • Wire Rack
  • Tray or Large Plate

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 500 g Plain Flour
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 2 tbsp Butter (room temperature)
  • 200 ml Milk
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 litre Sunflower Oil (for deep frying)

For the Syrup:

  • 800 g Sugar
  • 625 ml Water
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 1 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and place the syrup in the fridge to chill.
  2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and use your fingers to rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs. Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1 cm thickness. Cut the dough into strips, then divide each strip into thirds. Braid or plait the strips, pinching the ends to seal.
  5. Heat the oil: Preheat your oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 180°C.
  6. Fry the koeksisters in batches until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil.
  7. Dunk in syrup: Immediately submerge the hot koeksisters into the cold syrup, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
  8. Place them on a wire rack set over a tray or plate to drain any excess syrup.

These delightful treats can be enjoyed fresh, but they’re even better when served chilled—making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for any gathering!

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