Vetkoek

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Vetkoek (pronounced FET-cook) is a traditional Afrikaner pastry. It is dough deep-fried in cooking oil and either filled with cooked mince or spread with syrup or honey or jam. It is thought to have its origins in Oliebollen, which go back to the time of the migration period. It is similar in taste to Mexican Sopapillas .¹

A common Afrikaans dish is vetkoek (pronounced fet-cook) literally meaning "fat cake." The word "koek" refers to the fact that this dish was used as a dessert as well as a meal. It is similarly shaped to a doughnut (jam filled, no hole) and is made from flour, salt and yeast. It is dough rolled into a ball then deep fried. It is commonly eaten with butter or filled with jam or a more savory filling. In a traditional South African braai, or barbecue, vetkoek may be served alongside boerewors, (South African sausage). Koeksisters are made from a similar, but sweeter, dough but are braided in long strips then coated in a sticky sweet syrup.