Magwinya (also known as vetkoek in Afrikaans) are delicious deep-fried dough balls popular in Southern Africa, especially in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. They’re golden, crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and often enjoyed as street food — plain, filled with savory mince, or spread with jam or cheese.
🍩 Magwinya (South African Fried Dough Balls)
Prep Time: 1 hour (includes rising)
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Makes: 12–15 medium-sized magwinya
📝 Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp instant dry yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp oil (plus more for deep-frying)
- 1½ to 2 cups lukewarm water
👩🍳 Instructions:
🔸 Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add oil and gradually mix in lukewarm water until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (You can also knead in the bowl.)
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
🔸 Step 2: Shape and Fry
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into golf ball-sized or slightly larger pieces.
- Gently shape each into a smooth ball or flatten slightly for a disc shape.
- Heat enough oil for deep frying in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping in a small piece of dough — it should sizzle and float.
- Fry magwinya in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides — about 3–5 minutes per batch.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
🍯 Serving Ideas:
- Plain with tea or coffee
- Stuffed with savory minced beef, chicken curry, or cheese
- Spread with jam, honey, or peanut butter
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweet twist
✅ Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pot — it drops the oil temperature and affects texture.
- For slightly healthier magwinya, you can air fry or oven-bake (but the classic deep-fried version is hard to beat).
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.