Sugar-Free Jamaican Festival
Discover the tropical pleasure of Sugar-Free Jamaican Festival, a healthier twist on the beloved Caribbean fried dough side dish. This recipe swaps added sugar for the natural sweetness of ripe plantains, creating a delightfully tender and subtly sweet treat that pairs beautifully with bold, spicy jerk dishes or hearty stews. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and baking powder, these festival fritters are easy to prepare and fry to perfection in just minutes. Whether you’re hosting a Caribbean-inspired feast or looking for an irresistible sugar-free snack, these crispy, golden treasures are sure to impress. Perfect for health-conscious foodies craving authentic island flavors without the guilt!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium ripe plantain
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
Peel and mash the ripe plantain in a separate bowl until smooth. The plantain should be very ripe to ensure maximum natural sweetness.
Add the mashed plantain to the dry ingredients along with 3 tablespoons of water. Mix with your hands or a spatula until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable, adding a little more flour if necessary.
Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a sausage-like shape, about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shaped dough pieces into the oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
Remove the fried festivals from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Serve warm as a delightful side dish or snack, perfect alongside your favorite Caribbean meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5455 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 429.0 g | 550% | |
| Saturated Fat | 61.1 g | 306% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 268.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2554 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 412.1 g | 150% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.5 g | 88% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.7 g | ||
| Protein | 41.6 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 45 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 17.6 mg | 98% | |
| Potassium | 1515 mg | 32% | |
*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.
