Fried Dough (Namibian Fat Cakes)

Namibian fat cakes are simply fried dough. They are a staple snack and dessert. They are sometimes served with kapana, a street food. They can be served any time of day and available at markets and street vendors. Sometimes they are served with minced meat and cheese, jam, plain or how we enjoyed them with a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar hot out of the oil. They are crispy on the outside and light on the inside, simply delicious.

3 cups all-purpose flour, unbleached
2 tsp. kosher salt
2 pkg quick rise yeast
½ cup sugar
2 tsp. vinegar
1¾ cups water
oil, for frying

Mix flour yeast salt and sugar together in a bowl.

Mix the vinegar into the water and pour over the dry ingredients. Mix together until a soft dough forms. Mix well to remove any possible lumps. Add water as needed.

Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until double in size.

Heat oil until hot in a heavy based sauce pan.

Take spoonfuls of dough about the size of a ping pong ball and drop into the hot oil.

Cook until golden and flip so they are browned all around.

Serve hot with jam, confectioners’ sugar, roll in cinnamon and sugar, peanut butter, cheese, or just plain.

Makes 12.