Festival is a sweet, fried dough that is a popular side dish in Jamaican cuisine. It is often served alongside fried fish, especially with dishes like Escovitch Fish. Here’s a simple recipe for making Jamaican Festivals:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup water (adjust as needed for the right consistency)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Vanilla Extract:
- Add the vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Gradually Add Water:
- Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously to form a soft dough. Adjust the amount of water as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it lightly until it becomes smooth.
- Shape into Patties:
- Divide the dough into small portions and shape each portion into a patty or dumpling shape. Traditionally, festivals are shaped like elongated ovals.
- Heat Vegetable Oil:
- In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to around 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Festivals:
- Carefully place the shaped festivals into the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the festivals.
- Drain Excess Oil:
- Remove the festivals from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Festivals are best served warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or as a delicious accompaniment to Jamaican fish dishes, stews, or other meals.
These sweet fried dumplings have a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, doughy interior. They add a delightful sweetness to your meal and are a favorite in Jamaican cuisine.