Cozy Jamaican Festival Dumplings

Name: Cozy Jamaican Festival Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 dumplings
Ingredients: 2 cups cornmeal; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup water; Oil for frying

Highlighted under: Cross-Cultural Cooking

I absolutely love making Jamaican Festival Dumplings, especially on a cozy weekend. The combination of sweet cornmeal and the hint of cinnamon creates a pleasing flavor that transports me right to the Caribbean. These dumplings are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. I often enjoy them alongside spicy dishes or simply with a drizzle of honey. They make for the perfect snack or side dish, and I can't resist their warm, comforting texture!

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:42:29.703Z

When I first tried Jamaican Festival Dumplings, I was instantly enamored by their delightful sweetness and texture. Preparing them has become a little ritual for me. I often experiment with the spices, sometimes adding fresh nutmeg for an extra kick. The key to their fluffy consistency is ensuring the oil is at the right temperature before frying—too hot, and they burn; too cold, and they soak up oil.

Each bite brings a nostalgic warmth, reminding me of family gatherings where these dumplings were served alongside spicy jerk chicken. I’ve found that frying them to a perfect golden brown elevates not just their flavor, but also their visual appeal, making them irresistible to anyone who sees them!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Sweet, comforting flavor that's perfect with spicy dishes
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
Great for snacking or as a unique side dish

      

Perfecting the Dough

The key to achieving the right texture in your festival dumplings is the balance between cornmeal and all-purpose flour. The cornmeal provides that delightful sweetness and grainy texture, while the flour adds the necessary elasticity for the dumplings to hold their shape during frying. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment by using different types of cornmeal, such as fine or coarse ground. Fine cornmeal yields a softer dumpling, while coarse can add a bit of crunch.

When mixing the dough, be cautious not to overwork it. Just bring the ingredients together until they form a soft, cohesive mixture—about 1 to 2 minutes should suffice. Overmixing can lead to dense and chewy dumplings, which aren’t what you want. Aim for a dough that feels slightly sticky but holds together well; if it's too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time.

Frying Techniques

The temperature of the oil is crucial for perfectly fried dumplings. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked. Aim for a medium-high heat around 350°F (175°C). A quick test is to use a small piece of dough; if it sizzles vigorously and rises to the surface, your oil is ready. Frying in batches prevents overcrowding, which can lower oil temperature and yield soggy dumplings.

As you fry, keep an eye on the color of the dumplings. You're looking for a golden-brown hue, which should take about 4-5 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to gently turn them halfway through cooking. This method provides an even fry, ensuring that the dumplings are cooked thoroughly. Once a batch is done, if they seem overly oily, I suggest letting them rest on a rack instead of paper towels for extra drying and crispiness.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth preparation process.

Festival Dumpling Ingredients

2 cups cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
Oil for frying

Make sure to follow the measurements closely for the best results!

Instructions

Prepare your frying area and ingredients before starting the cooking process.

Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the water and mix until a soft dough forms.

Shape the Dumplings

Lightly flour your hands and take a small amount of dough to form into a ball. Repeat until you have shaped all your dumplings.

Heat the Oil

In a deep frying pan, heat enough oil for frying over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough in; it should sizzle and rise.

Fry the Dumplings

Carefully place the dumplings into the hot oil. Fry them in batches until they turn golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side.

Drain and Serve

Once cooked, remove the dumplings and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm.

Enjoy these delicious dumplings hot, preferably with a sweet honey drizzle or alongside your favorite spicy dish!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. You can also try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a different flavor profile!

Serving Suggestions

Jamaican Festival Dumplings are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. I love pairing them with spicy jerk chicken or dipping them in a zesty mango salsa for a refreshing contrast. The sweetness of the dumplings complements the heat of these dishes perfectly, making for a well-balanced meal. Additionally, you can slice them open and drizzle honey, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful snack.

For a twist, consider incorporating chopped herbs into the dough, such as cilantro or scallions. These additions not only enhance flavor but also add a lovely burst of color to the dumplings. If you're feeling creative, try filling them with savory ingredients like spiced beans or cheese for a stuffed version that’s sure to impress at gatherings.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftover dumplings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave as it can make them chewy; instead, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method helps restore their crispness while keeping the inside warm and soft.

For longer storage, you can freeze uncooked dumplings before frying. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. To cook directly from frozen, just fry them for an additional minute or two until golden brown, ensuring they are fully cooked on the inside.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I bake the festival dumplings instead of frying?

While frying gives the best texture, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes if you prefer a healthier option.

→ What can I serve with festival dumplings?

They pair wonderfully with jerk chicken, barbecue meats, or simply drizzled with honey for a sweet treat.

→ Can I store leftover dumplings?

Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an oven or skillet.

→ What type of cornmeal should I use?

Use finely ground cornmeal for the best texture. Look for masa harina or yellow cornmeal in stores.