VETKOEK AND MINCE

Savor the taste of South African tradition with golden, fluffy vetkoek filled with savory mince. A beloved comfort food that’s perfect for family gatherings, quick dinners, or street-style indulgence.

INGREDIENTS

For the Vetkoek Dough:

• 500 g (4 cups) cake flour
• 10 g (2 tsp) instant yeast
• 5 ml (1 tsp) salt
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) sugar
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil
• 300 ml (1¼ cups) warm water

For the Mince Filling:

• 500 g (1.1 lbs) beef mince
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) tomato paste
• 10 ml (2 tsp) curry powder
• 5 ml (1 tsp) ground paprika
• 250 ml (1 cup) beef stock
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

PREP AND COOKING TIMES

• Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time)
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Vetkoek Dough:

1. Mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
2. Add oil and warm water gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
5. Punch down dough and divide into 8–10 balls.
6. Heat oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F).
7. Fry dough balls for 4–5 minutes each side until golden brown.
8. Drain on paper towels.

Mince Filling:
9. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onion until soft.
10. Add garlic, curry powder, and paprika, cooking for 1 minute.
11. Stir in mince and cook until browned.
12. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock.
13. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
14. Season with salt and pepper.
15. Slice open vetkoek and fill with hot mince mixture.

HELPFUL COOKING TIPS

1. Ensure oil is at the correct temperature (180°C / 350°F) to avoid greasy vetkoek.
2. Use bread flour instead of cake flour for a chewier texture.
3. Add chopped carrots or peas to the mince for extra nutrition.
4. Rest the dough long enough for proper rise — this ensures fluffy vetkoek.
5. Serve vetkoek immediately after frying for the best crispness.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING)

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Fiber: 4 g

DIETARY TAGS

• Comfort Food
• Traditional South African
• High Protein
• Contains Gluten
• Contains Meat

ALLERGEN INFORMATION

• Contains gluten (flour in vetkoek)
• Contains meat (beef mince)
• May contain traces of nuts depending on preparation environment