If you cook any at all, there is a good chance that everything needed to prepare this Jamaican fried dumpling recipe is already in your kitchen cabinets. Combine flour, salt, and baking powder with water. Knead and fry until golden. And voila!
Your fried dumplings are ready.
Best described as a quick bread, Jamaican fried dumplings are very easy to prepare. Several other Caribbean islands serve a similar quick bread, but there are differences in the preparation and/ or ingredients.
In Jamaica, fried dumplings are a breakfast staple, but they are a great addition to any meal. Fried dumplings are a delicious accompaniment to any vegetable, meat, or fish entree. Fried dumplings are often served in private homes, at street-side stalls, and in casual dining Jamaican restaurants throughout the world..
Traditionally, fried dumplings are made by combining flour, salt, and baking powder with water to make a soft, pliable dough. Self-rising flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour when making this recipe. If you do use self-rising flour, omit the baking powder.
TIPS
**A couple tablespoons of cornmeal adds texture and a little crunch.
**A 50/50 mix of water and milk makes your dumplings crispier on the outside and softer on the inside.
When kneaded, your dough should be soft but not sticky.
If the dough sticks to your hands, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon (TB) at a time. If the dough is crumbly, add a little more water, 1 teaspoon (tsp) at a time
A typical fried dumpling is usually 2 to 3 times larger than the ones you see here. For some inexplicable reason, I like small bite-sized pieces of food. And so like these dumplings, much of the food I prepare is dainty in size.
Equipment
- 1 skillet
Ingredients
- 1½ C all-purpose flour substitute equal amount self-rising flour for flour + baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking powder , omit if using self-rising flour
- ¼ C cornmeal , optional
- 2 TB sugar , optional
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ C water , combine ¼ C water + ¼ C milk for crisper dumplings
- Vegetable oil , for frying
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Slowly add liquid while mixing with a spoon. When all the liquid is absorbed put aside the spoon and knead the dough. Dough should be soft but dry and not stick to your hands. If the dough is sticky, add flour 1Â tablespoon at a time until the dough fully kneaded. If flour is not fully absorbed add water 1 teaspoon at a time and mix. Break the dough into 3 pieces and roll into long strips on a cutting board.
- Heat oil in a skillet, for about 2 minutes, over medium heat. Cut the dough into small pieces. Use your hands to roll each piece into small circles. Drop pieces in hot oil and let the dumplings fry until they are golden in color, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or fork to remove the dumplings from oil. Place on a paper towel lined plate.