Back to Recipes
Herbed Roosterkoek

South African

Herbed Roosterkoek

Braai-grilled herb rolls made with wholemeal flour and olive oil. Crispy outside, fluffy inside, and higher in fibre.

~40 mintotal~310 kcalper serving~9g protein~58g carbs~6g fat

Estimated. Worked out from the ingredients using the UK food composition tables, so treat it as a guide rather than a measurement. A typical recipe lands within about a quarter of the true figure. Makes about 6.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups wholemeal flour
  • 1 cup white bread flour
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1½ cups warm water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme or chives)

Cooking Steps

  1. Mix the flours, yeast, salt, olive oil, herbs and warm water into a soft dough.

  2. Knead 8–10 minutes, then cover and prove 1 hour until doubled.

  3. Shape into 10 rolls and prove another 20 minutes.

  4. Grill over medium braai coals (or bake at 200°C/400°F), turning until golden and hollow-sounding, about 15–20 minutes.

  5. Serve warm.

Optional Enhancements

  • Add seeds for extra crunch and nutrients
  • All wholemeal for more fibre
  • Stuff with grilled veg for a light meal

Plant & Growing Tips

  • Wheat: Thrives in cooler months with low humidity; harvest when heads turn golden
  • Rosemary & Thyme: Prefer dry hot conditions; drought-tolerant
  • Basil: Needs warmth, rich soil, and regular water
  • Chives: Grow year-round in pots or garden beds
  • Garlic: Plant in winter; harvest when tops brown

Natural Pest Control

  • Plant basil with tomatoes to deter flies
  • Rosemary deters cabbage moths naturally
  • Use neem or soapy water spray for aphids on herbs
  • Mulch herbs to suppress weeds

Harvest

  • Herbs: Harvest in the morning for strongest essential oils; snip regularly to encourage bushy growth

Storing & Freezing

Best fresh; freeze up to 2 months and refresh on the braai or in the oven.

More recipes

See all ›
80 minSouth AfricanCape Malay Chicken Curry~524 kcal~57g protein50 minSouth AfricanBoerewors with Tomato Relish~522 kcal~30g proteinSouth AfricanSweet Potato Mash with Chilli Butter~294 kcal~6g protein45 minSouth AfricanBeef Sosaties~441 kcal~46g protein40 minSouth AfricanGrilled Snoek with Apricot GlazeRecipe70 minSouth AfricanButternut Soup~266 kcal~3g protein75 minSouth AfricanPeri-Peri Chicken & Rice Prep Boxes~330 kcal~31g protein75 minSouth AfricanBobotie~566 kcal~42g protein15 minSouth AfricanGreen Bean Salad with Garlic Dressing~168 kcal~3g protein45 minSouth AfricanBeetroot Salad~108 kcal~2g protein130 minSouth AfricanSamp & Beans (Umngqusho)~352 kcal~13g protein40 minSouth AfricanHoney-Roasted Butternut & Chickpea Bowl~424 kcal~15g protein

Make this easier with Visionary

Scan any food in secondsPoint your camera at a meal or label and log it. No weighing, no database hunting.The best MyFitnessPal alternativesFive apps compared on tracking, training and coaching, not just calorie counting.Visionary in South AfricaHow Visionary works for South African members, with local food and local routines.