Vetkoek

Name: Vetkoek
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Namibian
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet instant yeast; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup warm water; 2 tbsp butter, melted; Vegetable oil for deep frying

Vetkoek (FET-cook)

Fat Cake

⏱ Prep Time 1 hour

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 318 kcal

Pillowy rounds of deep-fried dough with a golden crust and airy interior, split open and filled with curried mince, cheese, or jam.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 8.0g

Carbs 40.0g

Fat 14.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

mixing bowl deep pot slotted spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: paper-lined basket

Accompaniments: curried mince, apricot jam, cheese

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet instant yeast
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm water
2 tbsp butter, melted
Vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions

1
Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and melted butter, knead into a soft dough.
2
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes until doubled.
3
Divide dough into 8 balls and flatten slightly.
4
Heat oil to 170°C. Fry dough balls 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
5
Drain on paper towels. Split open and fill with desired filling.

💡

Did You Know?

Vetkoek literally means "fat cake" in Afrikaans, and every Namibian family has their own secret to getting the perfect puff.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

mixing bowl
deep pot
slotted spoon

Accompaniments

curried mince, apricot jam, cheese

The Story Behind Vetkoek

Vetkoek arrived in southern Africa with Dutch settlers in the 17th century. It became a beloved street food across Namibia and South Africa, adapted by every community. In Namibia, it is a common breakfast and a popular filling snack at markets.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed breakfast, lunch, or street snack 📜 Origins: Cape Dutch colonial era adaptation

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