Vetkoek

About This Recipe

Vetkoek (Afrikaans for 'fat cake') have been adopted enthusiastically across Botswana. The fluffy, pillowy deep-fried rolls are split open and filled with curried mince, creating a handheld meal that combines crispy exterior, soft bread, and savoury filling. They are sold by street vendors throughout the country.

Ingredients

Serves 8

• 500 gcake flour
• 10 ginstant yeast
• 1 tspsalt
• 300 mlwarm water
• 400 gground beef
• 2 tspcurry powder

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the dough

   Mix flour, yeast, and salt. Add warm water gradually and knead into a soft dough. Cover and prove 45 minutes until doubled.

2. 2

   Fry the mince

   Brown beef in a pan, add curry powder and a diced tomato. Cook until dry and fragrant. Season with salt and set aside.

3. 3

   Shape and fry

   Divide dough into 8 balls. Deep-fry in batches at 170 °C, turning halfway, for 5–6 minutes until deep golden and cooked through.

4. 4

   Fill and serve

   Split each vetkoek and fill with curried mince. Serve immediately.

Variations

• •

  Fill with cheese and apricot jam for a sweet version.

• •

  Use curried chicken mince for a lighter filling.

Storage

Unfilled vetkoek can be stored in an airtight bag for 1 day and reheated in the oven at 160 °C.

Frequently Asked Questions