Recipe

Homemade Roosterkoek

Flavorful Fire-Grilled Bread Rolls

4.3 out of 5

Roosterkoek is a traditional South African bread roll that is cooked over an open fire. These delicious rolls have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, making them the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Bread› Roosterkoek

African cuisine› Southern African cuisine› South African cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Total time

1 hour 35 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (if butter is omitted), Dairy-free, Nut-free, Egg-free

Allergens

Wheat

Not suitable for

Gluten-free, Low-carb, Keto, Paleo, High-protein

Ingredients

500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
10g (2 tsp) instant yeast 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast
10g (2 tsp) sugar 10g (2 tsp) sugar
10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 2g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 1g

Preparation

1.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2.
Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing well until a soft dough forms.
3.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4.
Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles and divide it into small portions.
6.
Shape each portion into a round ball and place them on a greased baking sheet.
7.
Preheat a grill or braai to medium-high heat.
8.
Carefully transfer the dough balls onto the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
9.
Remove the roosterkoek from the grill and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Bread flour can also be used for a slightly denser texture.
Instant yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and active to ensure proper rising of the dough.
Warm water — The water should be warm, but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.

Tips & Tricks

For added flavor, brush the roosterkoek with melted butter or garlic butter while they are still warm.
Experiment with different fillings such as cheese, bacon, or caramelized onions to create unique flavor combinations.
If you don't have a grill or braai, you can also cook the roosterkoek in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the roosterkoek warm with a generous spread of butter or your favorite filling. They are perfect as a side dish for braais, or as a snack on their own.