Mosbolletjies is a traditional Afrikaner or Cape Dutch sweet-bun or bread traditionally made in the wine producing areas of the Western Cape province of South Africa.[1][2] The name is Afrikaans in origin and is a combination of mos (Afrikaans for partially fermented grape juice) and bolletjies (Afrikaans for "balls" or "buns"). Mosbolletjies can be dried to make rusks. The buns are typically served with tea or coffee.

Mosbolletjies
Mosbolletjies is sweetened, leavened yeast bun flavoured with caraway and or anise seed
CourseDessert
Place of originSouth Africa
Region or stateCape Winelands
Created byN/A
Inventedlate 1600s–1700s
Main ingredientsFlour, salt, butter, sugar, yeast, grape juice, milk, aniseed
VariationsMultiple

History edit

The bun originated from French Huguenots refugees who settled the town of Franschhoek in 1688 and introduced viticulture to the region. Mosbolletjies were typically made during the wine making season when its key ingredient was readily available.[1]

Composition edit

Traditionally grape must left over from the production of wine was used to as a leavening agent and added to dough.[3] Spices such as aniseed are added and the mixed dough is then baked. In modern times grape juice and yeast are typically used instead of grape must.[1]

The dough of the buns are rolled into balls and packed tightly into a baking tray giving it a consistent series of bumps that once baked make individual pieces easy to pull off. It is synonymous to and American dish called Monkey Bread.[1]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Baker, Donald. "Mosbolletjies in South African Cuisine". www.ejozi.co.za. Retrieved 2018-01-20.
  2. ^ Davidson, Alan (2014). The Oxford Companion to Food. Oxford University Press. p. 759. ISBN 978-0199677337. Retrieved 2018-01-20.
  3. ^ Hennie, Fisher; T., Viljoen, Annemarie (2014-09-15). "Proudly South African cuisine". p. 36. hdl:2263/42022. Retrieved 2018-01-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)