Koeksisters (Dairy-Free Syrup)

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Dry yeast
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Dairy-free milk (soy or oat)
• 2 tablespoons Sunflower oil
• 3 cups Sunflower oil (for frying)
• 2 cups Water
• 4 cups Sugar
• 2 Cinnamon sticks
• 2 slices Ginger
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice

Instructions

1. 1Combine the 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon dry yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. 2Add the 1 cup dairy-free milk and 2 tablespoons sunflower oil to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly, then knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. 3Place the kneaded dough back into the large mixing bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has visibly doubled in size. This rising process develops the dough's texture and flavor.
4. 4In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the 2 cups water, 4 cups sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 slices ginger, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely to room temperature; this ensures proper absorption when the koeksisters are added.
5. 5On a lightly floured surface, roll out the risen dough to an even thickness of 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). Cut the dough into rectangular shapes, each approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, then make a 1-inch (2.5 cm) lengthwise slit through the center of each rectangle.
6. 6To shape each koeksister, gently pull one end of a dough rectangle through its central slit to create a twisted appearance. Repeat this process for all the cut dough pieces.
7. 7In a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat the 3 cups sunflower oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), using a kitchen thermometer to verify the temperature.
8. 8Carefully place a few shaped koeksisters into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, and fry them for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until they are evenly golden brown and puffed. Immediately after removing the hot koeksisters from the oil with a slotted spoon, immerse them into the completely cold syrup prepared in Step 4, letting them soak for 2 to 3 minutes.
9. 9Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the soaked koeksisters from the syrup and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow any excess syrup to drain off before serving.

Substitutions

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