Step back in time with Melkkos, one of South Africa’s most comforting traditional dishes! This unique milk-based food is beautifully simple, incredibly creamy, and gently spiced with warm cinnamon, truly living up to its name as a comfort classic. With its intentional soft, doughy lumps, it’s unlike any other South African breakfast you’ve tried. It’s the perfect warm embrace on a chilly morning, or a truly nostalgic dessert that instantly transports you back to cherished childhood memories. Get ready to enjoy a taste of authentic South African warmth and tradition!

Traditional Melkkos (South African Milk Food)
A warm, creamy, and gently spiced traditional South African dish made from milk and flour, known for its unique soft lumps. Perfect as a cozy breakfast or nostalgic dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine South African
Servings 4 people
Calories 282 kcal
Ingredients
- ¾ cup flour
- 1 liter milk full cream
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Wet fingertips with water and make lumps with the flour dropping it into the heated milk, stirring while bringing to a boil.
- Do not smoothen out the lumps, the texture should not be smooth like a white sauce.
- Serve hot with butter, cinnamon, and sugar.
Video
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Melkkos:
- Forming the Lumps: The "lumps" are essential for traditional Melkkos texture. Dip your fingertips in water before pinching off small pieces of the flour and dropping them into the hot milk. This prevents the flour from sticking to your fingers and helps create distinct lumps. Don't aim for perfect uniformity; rustic is authentic!
- Continuous Stirring: Stir continuously, especially as the milk heats and you add the flour lumps. This prevents the milk from scorching at the bottom and helps the flour cook evenly without sticking.
- Texture is Key: Remember, the goal is not a smooth white sauce. The beauty of Melkkos lies in its soft, tender lumps of cooked dough suspended in creamy milk. Do not over-whisk once the lumps are formed.
- Serving Temperature: Melkkos is always best served immediately and piping hot. It can thicken considerably as it cools.
- Adjusting Sweetness & Cinnamon: The recipe provides a starting point for sugar and cinnamon. Feel free to adjust these to your taste preference. Some like it sweeter, others prefer a bolder cinnamon flavour.
- Classic Comfort: Serve Melkkos piping hot, topped with a generous knob of butter, a sprinkle of sugar, and an extra dusting of cinnamon.
- Breakfast Delight: An incredibly comforting and warming breakfast on a chilly morning, perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
- Nostalgic Dessert: It makes a simple yet satisfying sweet dessert, especially if you're looking for a taste of traditional South African childhood.
- Simple Supper: In some South African homes, Melkkos is even enjoyed as a light and comforting supper.
- Nutmeg Twist: For a slightly different spice profile, you can add a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
- Caramelised Sugar: Instead of plain sugar, try drizzling with a touch of golden syrup or a light caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Vegan Version: With plant-based milk and butter, this dish can be easily adapted for a delicious vegan alternative.
- Rooibos Infusion: Simmer a teabag of rooibos tea in the milk before adding the flour. Remove the teabag, then proceed with the recipe for a subtle earthy flavour.
Nutrition
Calories: 282kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 11gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 121mgPotassium: 421mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 511IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 342mgIron: 1mg
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