Pampoenkoekies (Pumpkin Fritters)

Pampoenkoekies, or pumpkin fritters, are the surprise hit of every South African braai: soft, sweet pumpkin pancakes fried until golden and rolled in cinnamon sugar. They walk the line between side dish and dessert, and South Africans happily serve them alongside savory meat, because the contrast just works. The recipe is old-fashioned and unpretentious, the way good food should be.

Soft, sweet pumpkin pillows in cinnamon sugar

These fritters are tender and fluffy inside with a lightly crisp golden edge, tasting of sweet pumpkin with a warm cinnamon finish. The batter is soft enough to be almost cake-like, and they are best eaten warm, still dusty with sugar. Stack them high on a platter and watch them disappear before the meat even hits the table.

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