Authentic Jamaican Festival Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of cornmeal
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup of milk
1/2 cup of water
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg.
Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix well.
In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, water, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet, add a bit more flour.
Once the dough is ready, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
After the dough has rested, divide it into equal portions and roll each portion into a small log shape.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
Carefully drop the dough logs into the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
Once the festivals are fried, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Allow the festivals to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own, or as a side dish with other Jamaican favorites like jerk chicken or ackee and saltfish.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the dry and wet ingredients.
Whisk - Used to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring Cups - For accurately measuring cornmeal, flour, sugar, and milk.
Measuring Spoons - To measure salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
Spatula - To mix the dough and scrape the sides of the bowl.
Clean Kitchen Towel - To cover the bowl and let the dough rest.
Deep Frying Pan - For frying the festivals in vegetable oil.
Slotted Spoon - To carefully remove the festivals from the hot oil.
Paper Towels - To drain excess oil from the fried festivals.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier alternative.
Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
Add finely chopped scallions or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Try using coconut milk instead of regular milk for a hint of tropical flavor.
Include grated coconut or coconut flakes in the dough for added texture.
Make a savory version by adding cooked and seasoned ground meat, such as beef or chicken, to the dough.
Experiment with different spices like cinnamon, allspice, or cardamom to enhance the flavor profile.
Make a vegan version by substituting the butter with coconut oil and using a plant-based milk instead of dairy milk.
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Create a sweet dipping sauce by combining condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Jamaican Festival recipe! This delicious side dish is a staple in Jamaican cuisine and is often enjoyed with a variety of main dishes, including the famous jerk chicken or ackee and saltfish. The Festival is a type of fried dumpling, but it stands out due to its sweet and slightly spicy flavor. Made primarily from cornmeal, flour, sugar, and a hint of nutmeg, these dumpling-like treats are fried until golden brown for a slightly crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, sweet, and flavorful interior. This recipe is simple to follow and requires basic ingredients you may already have in your pantry. Let's dive in and create a taste of Jamaica in your own kitchen!

Common questions

Can I use self-rising cornmeal instead of regular cornmeal? No, it's best to use regular cornmeal for this recipe to control the leavening agents.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour? Yes, you can substitute with whole wheat flour, but it will result in a slightly denser texture.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter in this recipe.
Can I use almond milk or another non-dairy milk? Yes, you can use almond milk or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute for regular milk.
Can I bake instead of frying the festivals? Traditionally, festivals are fried, but you can experiment with baking them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
How can I store the leftover festivals? Once cooled, you can store the leftover festivals in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the dry ingredients and mixing the dough.
Whisk - Used for mixing the dry ingredients together.
Spatula - Useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl and incorporating all the ingredients.
Measuring Cups - Needed to accurately measure the cornmeal, flour, sugar, milk, and water.
Measuring Spoons - Used to measure out the salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
Kitchen Towel - To cover the dough while it rests.
Deep Frying Pan - The pan used for frying the festivals.
Tongs - For flipping the festivals while frying.
Paper Towels - Used to drain excess oil from the fried festivals.
Plate - To serve the festivals once they are cooked.

Origin stories

Jamaican Festival, a popular Caribbean dumpling, owes its name to a contest. In the early 1960s, when Jamaica was newly independent, the government held a competition to name a dish that would encapsulate the joy of the country's emancipation. The winning entry was "Festival", truly embodying the spirit and culture of the Jamaican people. These sweet, fried cornmeal dumplings have since become a staple of Jamaican cuisine, often served alongside dishes like jerk chicken or fish, bringing a touch of celebration to any meal.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.