Bring the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to your plate with this irresistible Jamaican Festival recipe! Perfectly golden and slightly sweet, these fried dumplings feature a delightful mix of all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and a hint of vanilla, creating a soft yet subtly crisp treat with every bite. Quick to prepare, these festivals are ready in just 30 minutes, making them the ideal side for your favorite Jamaican dishes like jerk chicken or fried fish. The addition of granulated sugar and baking powder gives these fritters their iconic flavor and texture, while frying in hot vegetable oil ensures a satisfying crunch on the outside. Whether youβre hosting a tropical-inspired feast or simply craving an authentic taste of Jamaica, these versatile festivals are sure to impress! Perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own, they are an absolute must-try for lovers of Jamaican cuisine.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup of cornmeal, 0.25 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
Gradually add 1 cup of water to the bowl while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands. Mix until the dough comes together and is smooth but not too sticky. If necessary, add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky or a bit more water if it's too dry.
Once the dough is formed, allow it to rest for about 5 minutes to let the ingredients settle.
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a cylinder, about 3 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. You can slightly flatten them if desired.
In a large frying pan, heat 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking.
Carefully place a few shaped dough pieces into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown all over.
Remove the festivals from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough pieces.
Serve the Jamaican festivals hot with your favorite sides like jerk chicken or fried fish.
Calories |
5044 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 424.4 g | 544% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.6 g | 303% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 268.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2545 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 319.4 g | 116% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.8 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.6 g | ||
| Protein | 31.9 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 50 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 13.8 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 408 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.