Traditional South African Koeksisters Doughnuts

Start by preparing the syrup. Combine all the syrup ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Now increase the heat and bring to boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Next, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely before refrigerating until needed.

To prepare the dough, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a big bowl.

Add the butter and rub in using your hands until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

In another bowl, beat together the egg and milk, then pour this into the flour. Mix until the dough starts to come together and then knead until the dough is smooth.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1 cm thick. Cut the dough into long strips, then cut those strips into thirds.

Using three small strips of dough at a time, plait them together and press the ends together to seal.

Deep-fry the dough in hot oil until golden brown, this should take about 3-4 minutes.

Soak the hot Koeksisters in cold syrup while still frying the next batch. Orders are important here, the Koeksisters must be hot, and the syrup must be cold.

Once soaked, remove using a slotted spoon and leave to drain on a wire rack.