If you’re a South African expat longing for a taste of home, you’re in for a treat. Nothing evokes memories of festive bazaars and family gatherings quite like koeksisters. This traditional South African dessert with its crunchy exterior and syrupy interior is a must-have. But what if you could elevate the nostalgic experience? Enter koeksisters infused with rooibos tea syrup. This blog post will walk you through how to create this twist on a traditional favorite, connecting you to your roots while adding a modern touch.

What are Koeksisters?

Koeksisters (pronounced “cook-sisters”) are delicious strips of dough that are braided or twisted and deep-fried. Once fried, the hot koeksister is dipped in cold syrup, soaking it up like a sponge. The result is a doughnut with a crispy outer layer and a gooey, sweet honey-like center.

The term “koeksister” comes from Afrikaans, which has many words from Dutch. Legend has it, it was originally pronounced “koeksisser,” meaning a cake that sizzles in hot oil. There’s also a theory that small doll-shaped cakes in the Netherlands, called koekbroers and koekzusters (cake brothers and sisters), may have influenced the name. The true origin remains a mystery, so share your thoughts in the comments!

You can easily find koeksisters at grocery stores or tuisnywerheid (shops selling homemade goods). These syrup-drenched treats are often sold at bazaars where church members bake large koeksisters for fundraising. In many South African families, these sweet twists are a beloved part of pre-Christmas celebrations.

The Rooibos tea twist to Koeksisters

Adding rooibos tea to the syrup gives koeksisters a unique flavor that is distinctly South African. Rooibos, a red bush tea, is native to South Africa and is renowned for its health benefits and aromatic flavor. By incorporating rooibos tea into the syrup, you add an extra layer of richness and nostalgia to the already delicious koeksisters.

How to make the perfect Rooibos syrup
Making the syrup correctly is crucial to achieving the perfect koeksisters. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Brew the Rooibos Tea
Start by steeping two rooibos tea bags in three cups of boiling water. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature before discarding the teabags.

Step 2: Prepare the Syrup
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the tea with 1 kg of caster sugar, the juice of half a lemon, ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil for at least five minutes.

Step 3: Cool the Syrup
Once boiled, allow the syrup to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge or freezer. The syrup should be ice-cold when you dip the hot koeksisters in it.

Making the Koeksister dough
Creating the perfect dough is the foundation for great koeksisters. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• 2.5 cups of plain flour
• 2 tablespoons of softened butter
• 2.5 tablespoons of baking powder
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 1 beaten egg
• 185 ml of tap water
• Oil for frying

Step 2: Combine flour and butter
Rub the softened butter into the flour until it resembles soft sand. Add the baking powder, sugar, and salt, and mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Mix wet and dry ingredients
Beat the egg and mix it with the water. Create a well in the flour mixture and pour the egg mixture into it. Combine to form a dough and allow it to rest for half an hour.

Step 4: Knead the dough
After resting, knead the dough until it’s smooth and pliable. Roll it out to a thickness of 6mm.

Shaping and frying the Koeksisters
The way you shape and fry your koeksisters can make all the difference.

Step 1: Shape the dough
Cut strips of dough about 2.5 cm wide and 7 cm long. If making cocktail-sized koeksisters, cut strips of 1.5 cm by 5 cm. Plait or twist the strips as desired.

Step 2: Fry the Koeksisters
Heat vegetable oil in a tall saucepan to 190°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil with a small piece of dough. It should sizzle but not smoke. Fry the dough until golden brown.

Final touch – Dipping in syrup
This is where the magic happens!

Step 1: Prepare the syrup
Divide the syrup into smaller bowls and place them on ice to keep them cold.

Step 2: Dip quickly
Immediately after frying, dunk the hot koeksisters into the ice-cold syrup. The contrast in temperature will ensure they absorb the syrup quickly, creating a deliciously gooey interior.

Storing and freezing Koeksisters

Koeksisters can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks or frozen for up to a month. Due to the high sugar content, they won’t freeze solid, making them a delightful treat straight from the freezer on a hot day.

Traditional South African desserts: Koeksisters

Koeksisters with a rooibos tea twist aren’t just a dessert; they’re a piece of South African heritage, perfect for bringing a touch of home to wherever you may be. By following this guide, you can recreate this iconic treat with a modern twist, impressing friends and family alike.

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