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Jamaican Festival

Recipe

Jamaican festival is a Creole dish which originated in Jamaica. While its exact roots are unclear, it is likely to have been created during the colonial era, from a fusion of ingredients and techniques from the different ethnic groups which have inhabited the island.

Festival Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup plain flour, plus more for the work surface
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 to 1 cup cold water
  • Oil for frying

Method

  1. Mix the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
  2.  Add 3/4 cup water and mix the dough. You should have a stiff dough. If the dough is dry, continue adding water, 1 tablespoon at a time just until the dough comes together stiffly.
  3. Flour your hands well and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for just a minute or so.
  4. Divide the dough into 12 portions.
  5. Roll each portion into a small cigar or sausage shape that’s somewhat tapered at the ends.
  6. Pour enough oil into a skillet to reach about 1 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 350°F | 176°C).
  7. Carefully slide a few of the dumplings into the oil, being careful not to crowd the skillet.
  8. Fry, turning as necessary, until golden brown on each side, adjusting the heat if necessary, about 8 minutes total.