What is "vetkoek"

n. (context South Africa English) A deep-fried ball of dough, usually unsweetened, cut open and filled with various fillings.

Vetkoek is a traditional South African fried dough bread common in Afrikaner cookery. It is either served filled with cooked mince (ground beef) or with syrup, honey, or jam. It is thought to have its origins from the Dutch oliebollen, which date from the time of the migration period. It is similar in taste to Mexican sopapillas.

The word "vetkoek" literally means "fat cake". It is similar in shape to a doughnut without a hole, and is made from flour, salt and yeast. Dough is rolled into a ball then deep fried. In a traditional South African braai, or barbecue, vetkoek may be served alongside boerewors. Koeksisters are made from a similar, but sweeter, dough but are braided in long strips then coated in a sticky sweet syrup. Vetkoek is commonly sold at family owned take away restaurants and Afrikaans festivals and cultural events.