Jamaican Fried Dumplings are a popular and beloved Caribbean dish that pairs perfectly with savory meals or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack. These dumplings are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Often served alongside fried fish, jerk chicken, or stews, they are made with simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, salt, and water, with the addition of butter or margarine for richness. Frying them in hot oil creates a golden, crunchy exterior that makes each bite irresistible. They are easy to prepare and full of flavor, making them a great addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter or margarine, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup water (more if needed)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter or margarine and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips, until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add the water to the flour mixture, stirring to form a soft dough. You may need to adjust the water slightly to get the right consistency. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Knead it gently on a floured surface for about 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Shape the Dumplings: Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly to form small discs, about 1 inch thick.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (you can test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil – it should sizzle immediately).
- Fry the Dumplings: Carefully place the dumplings into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Fry the dumplings for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn them halfway through.
- Drain and Serve: Once cooked, remove the dumplings from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve the Jamaican Fried Dumplings warm, alongside your favorite Jamaican dishes like fried fish, jerk chicken, or a hearty stew. They are deliciously satisfying, with a perfect combination of crispiness and fluffiness in every bite!
