Jamaican Festival Dumplings
Jamaican Festival Dumplings are delightful morsels of slightly sweet fried cornbread, often served as a side dish or snack alongside savory Jamaican main courses. Their crisp exterior and soft interior make them a perfect accompaniment to dishes like ackee and saltfish or escovitch fish.
Ingredients
🌾 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
🌽 1/2 cup cornmeal
🍬 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
⚖️ 2 teaspoons baking powder
🥚 1 egg, beaten optional
💧 1/4 cup ice-cold water
🛢️ 1 cup cooking oil
Instructions
1- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large white mixing bowl, combine the flour and cornmeal.
- Add the sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Use a wooden mixing spoon to stir the ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed.
2- Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
- Optional: Add the beaten egg to the dry mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the ice-cold water while mixing with your hands until a firm and cohesive dough forms.
3- Shape the Dumplings:
- Divide the dough into six equal portions using a wooden cutting board.
- Shape each portion into an elongated oval or "finger" shape with your hands.
4- Prepare for Frying:
- Heat approximately 1 cup of cooking oil in a black non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Test the oil temperature with a small piece of dough; it should sizzle and bubble gently.
5- Fry the Dumplings:
- Carefully place the shaped dough pieces into the hot oil.
- Use silver tongs to turn the dumplings frequently for about 8 to 10 minutes until they are golden brown on all sides.
6- Drain and Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the dumplings from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your choice of Jamaican main dishes.
Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 6
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl: no specific brand
- Wooden mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons: Pyrex
- Cutting board: wooden/bamboo
- Frying pan: no specific brand (black, non-stick)
- Tongs: silver with black handles
- Paper towels: no specific brand
- Serving plate: no specific brand
Cooking Tips
- Adding a beaten egg is optional but helps with binding and adds color.
- Ice-cold water helps improve the dough’s texture.
- Fry on medium heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Turn dumplings often for consistent color and crunch.
#jamaican #dumplings #festival #sidedish #frying #cornbread #sweet #crispy #recipe
Cook Like A Jamaican: https://www.youtube.com/@CookLikeAJamaican