Koeksister

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Koeksister
Koeksisters.JPG
Origin
Place of origin South Africa
Details
Type Doughnut
Main ingredient(s) Dough, sugar syrup

A koeksister (or koe'sister) derives from the Dutch word koekje, which translates to "cookie".[1] It is a South African syrup-coated doughnut in a twisted or braided shape (like a plait). It is prepared by deep-frying plaited dough rolls in oil, then dipping the fried dough into cold sugar syrup. Koeksisters are very sticky and sweet and taste like honey.[2]

Koeksisters are of Cape Malay origin,[3] among whom they were known as koe'sisters, apparently suggesting polite gossiping among spinsters.[4] The Afrikaner version is much more syrupy and crisp, while the Cape Malay version is an oval, fried dumpling with a texture more akin to a cake. The dough includes yeast and is spiced with powdered cinnamon, aniseed, cardamom and ginger. It is deep fried, then placed in hot syrup and finally rolled or sprinkled in dried coconut.

A monument of a koeksister in the Afrikaner enclave of Orania recalls a folk tradition of baking them to raise funds for building of churches and schools.[4]

See also [edit]

References [edit]

  1. ^ Bradford, Jean (1978). A Dictionary of South African English. Oxford. 
  2. ^ Laurens van der Post (1970) African Cooking, Time-Life Books, New York
  3. ^ Green, Lawrence (1949). "Chapter 4 - Country Hospitality". In the Land Of Afternoon. Howard Timmins. 
  4. ^ a b Wybenga, Wim (2008-05-01). "Koeksister het sy eie monument op Orania". Volksblad. Retrieved 8 November 2012. 

External links [edit]

  • Duckitt, Hildagonda J (1891). "KOESISTERS". Hilda's "where is it?" of recipes. London: Chapman and Hall.