Curried Mince Recipe for Vetkoek

This curried mince recipe is a South African-style beef mince curry made for filling warm vetkoek. It's mild, savoury, lightly sweet from the chutney and ready in about 30 minutes.

This version uses beef mince, curry spices, coconut milk, fruity chutney and mixed vegetables, with no potatoes. The filling stays meaty and saucy enough for vetkoek, but not so wet that it runs everywhere. A small mercy for your shirt.

It's also useful beyond vetkoek. Serve it with rice, spoon it into savoury pancakes, pile it onto toast or freeze a batch for quick dinners later.

From the comments

What is curried mince for vetkoek?

Curried mince for vetkoek is a mild South African beef mince curry used as a savoury filling for vetkoek, also called amagwinya in many South African communities.

Vetkoek is fried dough, split open and filled while warm. Some people eat it with syrup or jam, but curried mince is the classic savoury option.

This version is gently spiced, slightly sweet from the chutney and thick enough to sit inside the vetkoek without turning it into a handheld disaster.

Key ingredient notes and substitutions

You'll find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Curry powder

Use mild or medium curry powder, depending on how much heat you like. If your curry powder is very strong, start with a little less and add more later if needed.

Beef stock and liquid

I use beef stock for flavour, with a little extra water only if the mince starts catching. The filling should end up thick and spoonable, not loose or watery.

Coconut milk

Coconut milk gives the mince a slightly creamy sauce without making it heavy. Shake the tin well before opening. You can use cream or coconut cream instead, but the sauce will be richer.

Beef mince

I use beef mince because it gives the most familiar flavour for South African vetkoek mince. A 20% fat mince gives a richer result, but lean beef mince also works. If using lean mince, keep an eye on the liquid as it may cook drier.

You can use a 50/50 mix of beef and pork mince if you like. I don't recommend lamb mince here because it gives the filling quite a different flavour.

Chutney

A fruity chutney adds the gentle sweetness that works so well in South African curried mince. Mrs Ball's is the classic choice, but any peach, apricot or mango-style chutney will work.

Mixed vegetables

Frozen mixed vegetables are quick and convenient here. Add them straight from frozen and simmer until they are cooked through, but still have a little bite.

How to make curried mince for vetkoek

1. Dissolve the beef stock cube in the boiled water. Set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a medium-sized saucepan over a medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and fry for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until soft and translucent. Don't let it brown.

3. Add the garlic, turmeric powder, curry powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger and allspice to the onions.

Fry the spices with the onions for 2 minutes so their flavours can develop. Keep stirring so the spices smell warm and aromatic, but don't catch on the bottom of the pan.

4. Add the beef stock and coconut milk to the spicy onion mixture. Give it a good stir and cook for 3-4 minutes.

5. Add the minced meat. Break it up with a fork or wooden spoon and fry it with the onion mixture until the mince browns and no pink remains. This should take about 6 minutes.

6. Add the chutney (or apricot jam), tomato paste, frozen vegetables, salt, pepper and sugar to the cooked mince.

7. Stir the beef mixture and cook uncovered for 7-10 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are cooked and the mince is thick and spoonable, with just enough sauce to coat everything.

Keep an eye on the liquid level. If absolutely needed, add a small splash of water or coconut milk.

8. Serve hot in vetkoek or on a bed of rice.

Troubleshooting

My curried mince is too runny

Simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring often, until the liquid reduces. Vetkoek mince should be thick enough to spoon into the bread without dripping everywhere.

My mince is catching on the bottom

Lower the heat and add a small splash of water or coconut milk. Stir well to lift any browned bits before they burn.

My curry tastes too mild

Add a little extra curry powder or chilli and cook for another minute or two so the spices do not taste raw.

Variations

• Use a mix of beef and pork mince.
• Add chilli, cayenne pepper or hot curry powder for more heat.
• Swap coconut milk for cream or coconut cream.
• Use small diced vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables.
• For a meat-free version, use lentils or a plant-based mince, but expect a different texture and flavour.

What to serve with curried mince

Vetkoek - the classic choice.

Rice - especially South African yellow rice or coconut basmati rice.

Savoury pancakes - a brilliant way to use leftovers.

Toast or jaffles - easy lunch territory.

Tomato and onion salad or cold onion chutney - good for freshness.

Extra fruity chutney - especially Mrs Ball's-style peach chutney or homemade mango chutney.

Storage, reheating and freezing

Store leftover curried mince in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan on the hob, stirring now and then until piping hot. Add a small splash of water or coconut milk if it has thickened too much.

It also freezes well for up to 4 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

More South African recipes

For more South African favourites, try my curry noodle salad, Pikkie's melkkos, beef trinchado, bobotie or bunny chow. And if you're staying for pudding, there's always milk tart, outydse soetkoekies, malva pudding, peppermint crisp tart or traditional South African pannekoek.