Jamaican Festivals

 — Crispy, Sweet, and Golden

Jamaican Festivals are a beloved Caribbean staple known for their crispy golden exterior and soft, fluffy center. Lightly sweetened and perfectly fried, festivals are traditionally served alongside fried fish, escovitch fish, jerk meats, or enjoyed as a snack all on their own.

Made with simple pantry ingredients like flour, cornmeal, sugar, and vanilla, festivals are easy to prepare and come together quickly. Their signature log shape and tender bite make them an essential addition to any Caribbean meal.

Whether you’re hosting a fish fry or craving authentic island flavors, these homemade festivals deliver comfort, crunch, and sweetness in every bite.

Recipe Details:

• Servings: 4–6

• Prep Time: 10 mins

• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup sugar

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ¼ cup refined cornmeal

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup cold water

• Oil, for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

• Heat oil in a medium skillet or deep fryer over low to medium heat. Ensure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the festivals.

• In a large bowl, sift 2 cups of flour, reserving the remaining ½ cup for dusting.

• Add sugar, salt, baking powder, and cornmeal. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

• Stir vanilla extract into the water.

• Gradually add the vanilla-water mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a slightly sticky dough forms.

Rest and Shape:

• Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.

• Lightly dust a cutting board with reserved flour and transfer the dough onto it.

• Pinch off small portions and roll into logs about 1–2 inches long.

• Gently flatten each piece slightly with your hand.

Fry the Festivals:

• Carefully place the shaped dough into the hot oil.

• Fry for 7–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

• Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve:

• Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite Caribbean dishes.

💡 Chef’s Note:

Keep the oil at low to medium heat so the festivals cook evenly without browning too quickly. Festivals pair perfectly with fried fish, escovitch fish, jerk chicken, or can be enjoyed plain as a snack.

From my kitchen to yours, enjoy!
— Raina 🌿🍛🔥