South Africa is a land of diverse cultures and cuisines, known for its rich and flavourful dishes. One such dish is vetkoek, a beloved South African pastry that has become a staple in households and street food markets alike. Traditionally made with wheat flour, vetkoek is a deep-fried bread roll that is light and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. However, for those who follow a gluten-free diet, enjoying this delightful treat can be a challenge. But fear not! We bring you a gluten-free version of vetkoek, filled with a delicious spinach and feta filling, to satisfy your cravings and tantalise your taste buds.
The first step in creating this mouthwatering dish is to prepare the gluten-free vetkoek dough. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Vetkoek Dough:
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
- Gradually pour the egg and milk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously, until a smooth batter forms. The consistency should be thick but pourable.
- Allow the batter to rest for 10 to 15 minutes, which helps the gluten-free flours absorb the liquid and results in a better texture.
- Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep saucepan to a temperature of 350°F (180°C).
- Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the vetkoek batter into the hot oil. Fry each vetkoek until golden brown and puffed up, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Once cooked, remove the vetkoek from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Now that the gluten-free vetkoek is ready, let’s move on to the flavorful spinach and feta filling.
Ingredients for Spinach and Feta Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.
- Once the spinach has cooked down, remove the pan from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set aside the filling until the vetkoek are ready.
To assemble the gluten-free vetkoek with spinach and feta filling, carefully slice each vetkoek in half horizontally, creating a pocket for the filling. Spoon the spinach and feta mixture into each vetkoek and press the halves gently together. Serve the vetkoek warm and enjoy!
This gluten-free spin on the classic South African vetkoek brings together the light and fluffy texture of the pastry with the savoury flavours of the spinach and feta filling. It’s a delightful combination that will surely satisfy your cravings for a unique and tasty treat. Whether you’re following a gluten-free lifestyle or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is a must-try.
So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and indulge in the irresistible flavours of gluten-free South African vetkoek with spinach and feta filling. Your taste buds will thank you for the delicious adventure!
