Jamaican Johnnycakes (Fried Dumpling) A comfort classic

BY NOEL CUNNINGHAM

Like sunshine in the morning, these fluffy, fried dumplings are the perfect start to your day. They’re usually served with ackee and saltfish or even braised liver. These are similar to Jamaican festivals, with the exception of the cornmeal. Fried dumplings are usually crisp on the outside and have a bread-like texture on the inside, made from a mixture of flour, salt, baking powder, sugar, water and some recipes will use butter but it is optional. They are also called “Johnnycakes.”  The dough is divided into small pieces and then formed into small balls, which are then fried in some vegetable oil. Let’s just say that these are small golden balls of pure goodness.

In other Caribbean countries, such as Trinidad, Saint Lucia and Guyana, it is referred to as Bakes. In fact, every country in the Caribbean has its own way of making this fried dough. The same ingredients are used but the shape or the texture changes, but it remains the same, some flour dough fried.

Jamaican fried dumplings are a popular comfort food that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Every household prepares these especially on Saturday or Sunday morning for breakfast. These can also be found at roadside restaurants and even the famous hotels on the island. Overall, it is a favourite of every Jamaican.

These crispy and perfectly soft Jamaican fried dumplings are the perfect comfort food for every Jamaican. At first, it can be a challenge to get them perfect, but I have a few tips to make your next batch the best you’ve ever fried.

Tips for the best-fried dumplings

Make sure to whisk or sift together all the dried ingredients to incorporate air which will make your dumplings light and fluffy

Make sure to use cold liquid

Don’t over knead your dough

Rest your dough for 20 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator

Fry using medium-high temperature

Use enough oil so dumplings can float

Here is your chance to make yours. It’s a fast and simple side that anyone can make, and the best thing is it is very inexpensive to make. Your family will love this alternative to the American Johnnycake.

Ingredients

• Canola oil for frying
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tbsp. unsalted butter cut into 1/2-inch cubes and chilled
• 1/3 cup milk or water

Preparation

Pour oil into a medium frying pan with depth and heat over medium-high heat until oil is hot.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; add butter and using your fingers, rub into flour mixture until pea-size crumbles form.

Add cold milk or water and stir until a stiff, sticky dough forms. Leave to rest for minimum 20 minutes or overnight then divide the dough into 6-8 2-oz. pieces and roughly shape into balls.

Working in batches, fry until puffed and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Enjoy!