Aniseed mosbolletjies with quick plum and grape ‘moskonfyt’
South African 20 Mins Prep · 60 Mins Cook
- Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4. Lightly grease a 21cm x 11cm x 7cm loaf tin with baking spray or melted butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, 40g sugar, yeast and aniseed. Using a dough hook or spoon, mix briefly.
- Heat the grape juice gently in a small saucepan and add the butter to melt. Stir until combined. Remove from heat. Add the warm juice-butter mix, along with the milk and water, to the flour mixture. Mix on medium speed (or by hand) for approx. 10 minutes until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or cling film, and allow to rise in a warm spot for 20-30 minutes, or until nearly doubled in size.
- Knock down the dough and form into 6 equal-sized balls by pushing the dough through a circle made with your thumb and forefinger. Lightly grease your hands if the dough is sticky.
- Pack the 6 balls tightly into the greased loaf tin. Proof again in a warm place for 20-30 minutes until well risen. This step is crucial for the signature soft, fluffy texture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the tin immediately to prevent sweating.
- Melt the apricot jam and brush generously over the top of the loaf while still warm.
- To make the moskonfyt, halve the grapes, pit and quarter the plums, and zest and juice the lemon. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the fruit, sugar, lemon zest, juice, cinnamon, cloves (if using) and a pinch of salt over a medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally and gently mash the fruit as it softens. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until thickened and jammy. Remove the cinnamon stick. Let it cool slightly before transferring to sterilised jars, or serve with freshly baked mosbolletjies.
- Tear apart the warm mosbolletjies and serve with a spoonful of the plum and grape moskonfyt and a smear of butter, if desired.
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