Quick Jamaican Festival Fried Dough: easy jamaican festival fried dough recipe
Jamaican festival is a lightly sweet fried dough with a tender center, crisp golden outside, and gentle cornmeal texture. This beginner-friendly version makes a delicious Caribbean-inspired breakfast or side for a savory meal.
Servings 5
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 250 g
- 1/2 cup fine yellow cornmeal 75 g
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar 50 g
- 2 teaspoons baking powder 8 g
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 3 g
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 0.5 g
- 3/4 cup whole milk plus 1 to 2 tablespoons if needed (180 ml, plus 15 to 30 ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 ml
- About 3 cups neutral frying oil such as canola or vegetable oil (720 ml)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Stir the milk and vanilla together. Pour the liquid into the dry ingredients and mix with a spoon or clean hands until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. Add milk 1 tablespoon (15 ml) at a time only if there are dry, crumbly areas. Do not overwork the dough.
- Let the dough rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, add about 2 inches (5 cm) of oil to a deep, heavy skillet or Dutch oven and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Line a plate or baking sheet with paper towels or a wire rack.
- Divide the dough into 10 equal portions. With lightly oiled hands, roll each portion into a smooth log about 3 inches (8 cm) long, tapering the ends slightly if desired.
- Carefully lower a few dough pieces into the hot oil, leaving room between them. Fry in small batches, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes per batch. Keep the oil near 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the fried festival dough to the prepared rack or paper towels. Let cool briefly before serving warm.