Cape Malay Koeksisters

A sticky, syrupy and very tasty treat from South Africa.
(Recipe by The South African)

Ingredients

For the koeksisters

• 8 cups of cake flour
• 2,5 cups of water (lukewarm)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 x 10 g packets of instant yeast
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons butter (melted)
• a large pinch of salt
• the zest of 2 naartjies (mandarins)
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons mixed spice
• 3 tablespoons aniseed
• canola oil (for frying)
• 1 cup of desiccated coconut

For the cinnamon and sugar syrup

• 5 cups of water
• 4 cups of brown sugar
• 3 cinnamon sticks

Method

Koeksisters

1. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (except the coconut), then add the lukewarm water and mix until you have a soft and sticky dough.
2. Rub some oil over your hands and knead the sticky dough for about 10 minutes.
3. Cover the bowl of dough with a damp tea towel and leave to double in size (about an hour should do the trick).
4. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into oval-shaped balls and deep fry them in hot oil until golden brown.
5. Remove the koeksisters from the heat and drain them on kitchen paper.

Cinnamon and sugar syrup

1. Put all of the ingredients into a large pot, and bring it to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat so that the sugar water gently simmers.
3. Simmer for about ten minutes, stirring every now and then.
4. When you have a nice thick syrup, add the cooled koeksisters and cook for about 30 seconds.
5. Remove them from the syrup and pop them onto a wire rack.
6. Sprinkle generously with the coconut and store in an airtight container.