Koeksister’s … the Secret

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South African Koeksisters Recipe

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Additional Time: 8 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 9 hrs 15 mins
Yield: 14 koeksisters

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Ingredients

For the Syrup

• 3 cups white sugar
• 2 cups water
• ½ medium lemon, zested in large strips
• 3 slices fresh ginger (¼ inch thick, peeled)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Dough

• 2 cups cake flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks
• ½ cup milk
• Oil, for deep frying (about 2 cups or enough to fill your pan to 2 inches)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Syrup

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, lemon zest, ginger, and lemon juice.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature (about 30–45 minutes).
5. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop.

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2. Make the Dough

1. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles fine crumbs or cornmeal.
3. Stir in the milk to form a smooth dough.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 2 hours.

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3. Shape the Koeksisters

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 5×14 inches and ¼ inch thick.
2. Cut the dough into 28 strips, each about ½ inch wide.
3. Twist two strips together and pinch the ends to seal.
4. Repeat with remaining strips.
5. Cover the twisted dough with a clean cloth and let rest for 15 minutes.

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4. Fry and Dip

1. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep fryer or heavy saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet for draining.
3. Pour some of the chilled syrup into a separate bowl and keep the rest in the refrigerator (it must stay cold).
4. Fry 3 koeksisters at a time until golden brown and fragrant, about 2–5 minutes.
5. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately dip each one into the cold syrup for about 10 seconds.
6. Transfer to the wire rack to cool.
7. Repeat with the remaining koeksisters, replenishing the cold syrup as needed.

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Notes

• The nutritional values for frying oil assume a 10% retention rate. This may vary depending on the oil type, frying temperature, and cooking time.
• For best texture and flavor, make sure the syrup is very cold when dipping the hot koeksisters.