Culinary Hotline - Koesister Edition
Celebrate one of South Africa’s most beloved and nostalgic treats!
Ingredients:
- 4 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 10g instant yeast
- 1 Tbsp castor sugar
- 3 Tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 3 tsp naartjie zest
- 1 ½ Tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 2 Tbsp aniseed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- 1 ½ cups lukewarm water
- 1 large egg
For the sugar syrup:
- 3 cups sugar
- 3 cups water
- 5 stick cinnamon
How To Make Koesisters
- In a large bowl mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes, the dough will be quite sticky so do not be tempted to add any more flour, just use some oil on your hands when kneading.
- Cover with a tea towel or cling wrap and allow to rise for 90 minutes in a a warm and dark area in your kitchen.
- Next knock down the dough and using a little oil on your hands, shape little oblong ovals.
- Let the shaped dough rest for 10–15 minutes while you heat your oil for frying.
- Heat oil in a deep pot over medium heat.
- Fry the koesisters in batches until they are golden brown on both sides, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups of sugar, 3 cups of water, and 5 cinnamon sticks.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- While still hot, dip the fried koesisters into the syrup, coating them well.
- Place them onto a plate of desiccated coconut and toss until fully covered.