Traditional South African Koeksisters Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between koeksisters and koeksisters? ›

Do you know the difference between a koeksister and a traditional Cape Malay koesister? While a koeksister is plaited and deep fried for a crispy outside, the koesister is softer and made with cinnamon, traditional mixed spices, and aniseed.

A koeksister /ˈkʊksɪstər/ is a traditional Afrikaner confectionery made of fried dough infused in syrup or honey. There is also a Cape Malay version of the dish, which is a fried ball of dough that is rolled in desiccated coconut called a koesister.

If the syrup isn't cold, the dough won't soak up the syrup and you will end up with a dry koeksister.

Definition of 'koeksister'

Save room for a koeksister (a syrupy doughnut) and coffee.

Comfort food for a culture and a big part of the heritage of the Afrikaners. The origins for this culinary cultural icon are attributed to two recipes brought to South Africa by Dutch settlers in 1652. These two recipes were for doughnuts and a sweet bowtie-shaped thingee made from pasta dough.

Lets start at the beginning, the name Koeksuster. The word "koek” is Afrikaans slang for a woman who is extremely conservative. In simplest terms a koek would be the Afrikaans word for a prude. Koeksuster is a play on the Afrikaans word koeksister which is a dessert.

Considered by many to be the South African national dish, Bobotie (pronounced ba-bo-tea) is a meat-based dish and one of the most well-known examples of Cape Malay cuisine.

1. Biltong & droewors. Dry curing was a method used to preserve meat by the indigenous tribes of South Africa before fridges were invented. Usually made from beef or game, such as springbok, biltong (a thinly sliced, air-dried meat) and droewors (an air-dried sausage) are traditionally eaten as snacks.

A crispy, braided cinnamon donut slathered an a sweet citrus and cinnamon sugar syrup. Dough can be made up to a week in advance before frying. Cooked pastries are best eaten on the day of but can be frozen to preserve freshness.

Are koeksisters Dutch? ›

Koeksisters are said to date back to the 18th century, when they were first made by Dutch settlers in the Cape Colony. The name comes from the Dutch word for cake, 'koekje', and 'sister', because they were originally made in pairs.

The frying of dough strips in this manner is of Malay/Indonesian origin, possibly with Indian influence, originally eaten as an unsweetened breakfast savoury brought to South Africa with Malay slaves, among whom they were known as koe'sisters, apparently suggesting polite gossiping among spinsters.

1) Bobotie

We can't talk about the most popular food in South Africa and not mention Bobotie. This beloved casserole dish is made from minced meat (usually lamb or beef), a mixture of herbs and spices, and dried fruit such as sultanas or apricots.

A Gatsby is a South African submarine sandwich consisting of a bread roll filled with chips (French fries) and a choice of fillings and sauces. It originated in Cape Town and is popular throughout the Western Cape province. The sandwich is typically large and shared by several people.

South African slang (usually derogatory). A type of wealthy young (Jewish) woman, characterized as being shallow and materialistic.

Lamb, beef, chicken, pork, springbok, warthog, ostrich, eland, kudu, seafood, steaks and boerewors… Almost nothing is off-limits at the braai! Each piece of meat is marinated and grilled perfectly, and it's served with side dishes like salads and desserts.