Vetkoek with Spiced Beef Filling

Ingredients

• For the vetkoek: For the vetkoek:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (8g) instant yeast 2 teaspoons (8g) instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
• 1 cup (240ml) lukewarm water 1 cup (240ml) lukewarm water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the spiced beef filling: For the spiced beef filling:
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2g) ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon (2g) ground coriander
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt for the vetkoek dough.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients, mixing well until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased 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. 5.
   While the dough is rising, prepare the spiced beef filling. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
6. 6.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
7. 7.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
8. 8.
   Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
9. 9.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into equal-sized portions and shape them into balls.
10. 10.
    Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet over medium heat. Fry the vetkoek in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
11. 11.
    To assemble, slice each vetkoek in half and fill it generously with the spiced beef mixture.
12. 12.
    Serve the Vetkoek with Spiced Beef Filling warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. Alternatively, you can use ground chicken or turkey as a substitute.
• Ground cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor.
• Vegetable oil — Opt for a neutral-tasting oil such as canola or sunflower oil for frying the vetkoek.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the spiced beef mixture.
• Serve the vetkoek with a side of tangy tomato chutney or a dollop of creamy mayonnaise for extra flavor.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the spiced beef filling with a flavorful vegetable curry or a chickpea stew.
• Experiment with different fillings such as shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even a combination of cheese and spinach.
• To reheat leftover vetkoek, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Serving advice

Serve the Vetkoek with Spiced Beef Filling as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or as a snack on its own. It pairs well with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a cold South African lager.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced vetkoek on a platter, showcasing the golden crust and the flavorful spiced beef filling. Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.