Zuris South African Picnic Bread Recipes

ZURI'S SOUTH AFRICAN PICNIC BREAD

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/375F/Gas 5
• Grease a 2lb bread/loaf tin.
• Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl until amalgamated. DO NOT pre-cook the bacon, as it cooks in the bread and provides moisture and adds to the flavour.
• Pour or spoon the bread batter into the prepared tin and bake in the pre-heated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted in the middle of the bread.
• Allow to cool for 5 minutes and then turn out on to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Makes 12 slices, and is just as good 2 or 3 days after baking. Store wrapped in aluminium foil in a cool place, but preferably not the fridge.
• Freezes very well.

SOUTH AFRICAN TRADITIONAL VETKOEK (FRIED BREAD)

Steps:

• Mix lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to bubble slightly, about 5 minutes.
• Sift flour and salt together in a large bowl.
• Pour water mixture over flour mixture and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. Cover bowl with clean cloth and let dough rise until until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.
• Pinch off a piece of dough about the size of a tennis ball; roll until smooth. Flatten ball of dough until it is the size of palm; set aside on a floured work surface. Repeat with remaining dough.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Fry flattened pieces of dough in the hot oil, 2 to 3 pieces at a time, until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.