Fat Cakes (Vetkoeks)
Deep-fried dough balls are a favorite snack in many African nations. Their name, fat cakes, alludes to how they're prepared or what they'll do to you if you eat too many! These delectable vetkoek (fat cakes) are ideal for a light meal or snack. Fat cake is derived from the Afrikaans term vetkoeks, and it is essentially a lazy doughnut. They're a popular breakfast or snack since they're crispy on the surface and soft and chewy on the inside, plus they don't have a hole. They are delicious on their own or with stews and curries.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups lukewarm water,¼ cup white sugar,1 (.25 ounce) package of active dry yeast,7 cups all-purpose flour,2 teaspoons salt,3 cups oil for frying
Instructions:
- Mix lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to bubble slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Sift flour and salt together in a large bowl.
- Pour water mixture over flour mixture and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. Cover bowl with clean cloth and let dough rise until until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.
- Pinch off a piece of dough about the size of a tennis ball; roll until smooth. Flatten ball of dough until it is the size of palm; set aside on a floured work surface. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Fry flattened pieces of dough in the hot oil, 2 to 3 pieces at a time, until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
