Koeksister

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt, then rub in the soft butter with your fingertips.
2. Add the beaten egg and milk, then knead until you have a smooth, firm dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Make the syrup: heat the water with the sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice, then simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Let it cool.
4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 5 mm thick and cut strips about 1 cm wide and 15 cm long.
5. Plait three strips together, pinch the ends and shape into a braid or ring.
6. Heat the oil to 160 °C and fry the plaits over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, turning them, until deep golden.
7. Immediately dip the hot koeksisters into the cold syrup for 2 minutes, then drain them on a rack.
8. Dust with cinnamon and let them rest before serving, so the syrup soaks in well.