Golden, fluffy vetkoek filled with fragrant spiced lamb mince and creamy hummus makes for the ultimate comfort-food upgrade. This recipe takes a beloved South African classic and gives it a bold, Middle Eastern-inspired twist, balancing crispy fried dough with rich, savoury lamb and smooth hummus. Perfect as a hearty snack, casual lunch or fuss-free dinner, these flavour-packed vetkoek are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Vetkoek with lamb and hummus
Ingredients
- 1 kg shop-bought or homemade bread dough
- 750 ml oil for frying
- 750 g lamb mince
- 30 ml olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 10 ml ground cumin
- 10 ml smoked paprika
- A sprig rosemary or 5 ml dry rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 x 350 g hummus
- Fresh herbs to serve
Instructions
Make your lamb mince first.
Heat a skillet on the stove and add the olive oil.
Brown the onion, garlic and chili until the onion is translucent and soft.
Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add spices and then the lamb. Brown and cook for about 10 minutes, while stirring constantly.
Season with salt and pepper and add the lemon zest and juice. Keep warm.
Divide your dough into 20 even-sized balls.
Heat the oil in a pot and when the oil is hot, fry the Vetkoek to golden perfection.
Regulate the heat of your oil, otherwise the Vetkoek will be raw inside and too brown on the outside. You will get the hang of it!
To serve. Cut off the top of each Vetkoek. Hollow out some of the "flesh".
Spoon a dollop of hummus into the Vetkoek, followed by some lamb.
Top with more hummus and serve hot with fresh herbs.
Delicious as a snack, but if you make your Vetkoek slightly bigger, it is perfect for a light supper too!
Also See: Zola Nene’s pork stew with dombolo
Recipe adapted from Woman&Home.
