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Jamaican Festival Bread Recipe

Jamaican Festival Bread Recipe

Jamaican Festival Bread is a popular Caribbean snack that’s easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. This traditional dish is made with flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices, and is usually served with a cup of hot tea or coffee. 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, dinner
Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
Keyword: Jamaican Festival Bread Recipe
Servings: 3 Servings
Calories: 532kcal
Author: Bex Smith

Equipment

  • frying pan or skillet

Ingredients

  • 3/8 cup all-purpose flour/Bread flour.
  • 1 tablespoon of White Sugar
  • 3 tablespoons buttermilk or whole milk or water.
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil: Adjust according to your preference
  • 2 tablespoons of Yellow Cornmeal.
  • 1/8 teaspoon of Salt.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.

Instructions

Preheat the Oil:

  • In a deep frying pan or skillet, heat enough oil over medium heat to deep-fry the festivals.

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine 3/8 cup of all-purpose flour (or bread flour) with 2 tablespoons of yellow cornmeal.

Add Sweetness:

  • Incorporate 1 tablespoon of white sugar into the flour mixture. Mix well to ensure even distribution.

Raise the Dough:

  • Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agent.

Season with Salt:

  • Add 1/8 teaspoon of salt to the mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the salt is evenly distributed.

Introduce Moisture:

  • Pour in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil according to your preference. Mix until the dough starts to come together.

Bring It Together:

  • Gradually add 3 tablespoons of buttermilk, whole milk, or water to the mixture. Stir continuously until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Shape the Festivals:

  • Dust your hands with flour to prevent sticking, then take portions of the dough and roll them into elongated shapes, similar to dumplings. The size can vary based on your preference.

Fry the Festivals:

  • Carefully place the shaped festivals into the preheated oil. Fry until they achieve a golden brown color, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Drain and Serve:

  • Once the festivals are golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Notes

Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect Jamaican Festival Bread:
• Make sure the butter is melted before adding it to the dough, as this will help the bread rise.
• Knead the dough for at least 5 minutes, as this will help it become light and fluffy.
• Be sure to flatten the dough balls before baking, as this will ensure they bake evenly.
• Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving, as this will help it keep its shape.
• If desired, you can brush the bread with melted butter or oil before baking, for a crispier texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 532kcal
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