Jamaican Fried Dough Festival

By á-25087

Slightly sweet fried dumplings, called festival, from Jamaica, these are traditionally served with jerk meats. Eat them hot—they're delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Cold water, enough to make a stiff dough
• Oil for frying

Preparation

Step 1

To make this festival recipe, mix the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add just enough cold water to make a stiff dough.

Flour your hands well and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for just a minute or so. Divide the dough into 12 portions. Roll each portion into a small cigar or sausage shape that’s somewhat tapered at the ends.

Pour enough oil into a skillet to reach about 1 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully slide a few of the dumplings into the oil and fry, turning as necessary, until golden brown on each side, adjusting the heat if necessary, about 8 minutes total. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Repeat with the remaining fritters. Eat ‘em hot.