By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on October 4, 2023 | Last Updated on November 9, 2023
Jamaican Festival Bread is a culinary delight that beautifully embodies the vibrant culture and rich history of Jamaica. This traditional Caribbean side dish, often served with spicy jerk chicken or succulent fried fish, is a sweet, golden-fried dumpling that delights the senses. Its unique name pays homage to the festive spirit of the Jamaican people, as it’s commonly enjoyed during celebrations and gatherings.
The bread’s signature combination of cornmeal, flour, sugar, and a hint of vanilla, all deep-fried to perfection, creates a wonderfully crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, making every bite a celebration in itself. How can you make the most of this delicious treat? Here’s a quick guide to cooking Jamaican Festival Bread.
What is Jamaican festival bread?
Jamaican Festival Bread is a traditional Caribbean side dish that can be found in many restaurants and homes throughout Jamaica. It is made from cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and butter. The mixture is deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in a sweet dumpling with a crispy exterior and a soft interior. The bread has been enjoyed by generations of Jamaicans and is often served with a side of spicy jerk chicken or fried fish.
Why You’ll Love this Jamaican festival bread?
Jamaican Festival Bread is a culinary delight that embodies the best of Jamaica’s culture and history. The golden-fried dumplings truly capture the festive spirit of the Jamaican people, making it an ideal side dish for celebrations and gatherings. But even outside of these traditional contexts, the bread can be enjoyed as an anytime snack or dessert!
The combination of cornmeal, flour, sugar, and a hint of vanilla creates a wonderfully crispy exterior that gives way to a soft and fluffy interior. Plus, the bread is easy to make and can be served with virtually any dish.
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The Ingredients
Baking Powder: This is a leavening agent, crucial in many baking recipes. In the case of cornbread, it helps the bread rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture. Without baking powder, the cornbread would be flat and dense.
Yellow Cornmeal: This is the primary flavor component in cornbread. It provides a unique, slightly sweet flavor and a pleasingly grainy texture. The “fine” specification ensures that the cornmeal will blend well with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother final product.
Milk or Water: These are the liquid components of the recipe, necessary to bind the dry ingredients together. Milk adds richness and a subtle sweetness to the cornbread, while water can be used as a lower-calorie alternative. The amount may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the specific absorption rate of the cornmeal and flour used.
Flour, All Purpose: Flour provides structure to the cornbread. While the cornmeal gives flavor and texture, it’s the gluten in the flour that holds everything together once it’s baked. Without flour, the cornbread would crumble apart.
Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. It brings out the sweetness of the cornmeal and sugar, and it balances the richness of the milk and oil. Without salt, the cornbread could taste flat and uninteresting.
Granulated White Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to balance the savory flavors in the cornbread. It also aids in browning and helps to create a pleasingly crispy crust on the outside of the bread.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used for frying. It has a high smoke point, which means it can handle the high heat needed for frying without burning. This results in a crispy, golden brown crust on the cornbread. The oil also helps to keep the inside of the cornbread moist.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with either vegetable oil or butter, ensuring it’s well coated. Set the pan aside.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly mix the cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar. These dry ingredients will form the base of your cornbread.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the milk (or water) and oil. These liquid ingredients will provide moisture and richness to the cornbread.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 5: Transfer and Bake
Transfer the prepared batter to the greased cake pan. Ensure it’s evenly distributed. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cornbread is ready.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cornbread to cool for a bit. Once it has reached a comfortable temperature, slice it into pieces and serve with your favorite toppings or accompaniments.
Notes
- For a more nutrient-dense version of the cornbread, you can opt to use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose.
- You can also substitute vegan milk and oil for their dairy versions if you prefer.
- To ensure an evenly cooked cornbread, rotate the pan halfway through baking. This helps prevent any hot spots that could lead to uneven cooking.
- If your cornbread is still slightly undercooked after 25 minutes, cover the pan with a sheet of aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes or so. This will help prevent it from getting too dark on top.
Nutrition Information
How to store Jamaican festival bread?
Jamaican festival bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. If you plan on keeping it longer than that, it’s best to freeze it for up to 6 months. To reheat, simply place a slice of frozen cornbread on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can heat it in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds.
Variations
- For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients.
- To add more flavor and sweetness, fold in 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) of maple syrup or honey into the batter before baking.
- For a cheesy version, stir in 1/2 cup (50 g) of shredded cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella into the wet ingredients.
- To make it even more nutritious, add 1/2 cup (80 g) of cooked quinoa or oats to the dry ingredients.
- For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- For a vegan version, use vegan milk and oil instead of their dairy counterparts.
- Get creative with added flavors like dried fruits, nuts, or spices.
- For an even sweeter sweet bread version, add 1/3 cup (75 g) of brown sugar to the dry ingredients before mixing.
- To give it extra texture and flavor, top the cornbread with a sprinkle of cheese, crumbled bacon, or fresh herbs before baking.
- To make it even more decadent, try adding 1/4 cup (50 g) of melted butter to the wet ingredients.
- For an interesting twist on flavor, add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of bourbon or whiskey to the wet ingredients.
- To make a savory version, try adding 1/2 cup (50 g) of grated cheese and 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) of freshly ground black pepper to the dry ingredients before mixing.
- For an even more flavorful variation, use beer instead of water in the batter. The beer will give the bread a unique depth of flavor.
- Get creative and stir in any combination of herbs, spices, nuts, or seeds to customize your cornbread.
Jamaican Festival Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour/Bread flour providing the base for the batter with its versatile and gluten-rich properties.
- 2 tablespoons of White Sugar lending a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements of the dish.
- 1/4 cup of Yellow Cornmeal fine, adding a delightful crunch and a subtle hint of corn flavor to the coating.
- olive oil or vegetable oil serving as the medium for cooking and achieving a crispy and golden exterior on the fried food. It also imparts a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon of Salt enhancing the overall taste and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (It helps to reduce yeasty smell) acting as a leavening agent to ensure a light and airy texture in the final result.
- 6 tablespoons buttermilk or whole milk or water; may need to add 1-2 tablespoons more or less, providing the necessary moisture and binding the dry ingredients together to form a smooth batter.
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Gradually add milk, and knead into soft, non-sticky dough.
- Form golf ball-sized pieces into thick ovals with a gentle back-and-forth motion.
- Heat oil, and fry for 10 mins, flipping midway over low-medium heat until golden and cooked.
- Remove, drain on a rack, and let cool.
- Serve while it’s still hot.
Notes
- For a more nutrient-dense version of the cornbread, you can opt to use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose.
- You can also substitute vegan milk and oil for their dairy versions if you prefer.
- To ensure an evenly cooked cornbread, rotate the pan halfway through baking. This helps prevent any hot spots that could lead to uneven cooking.
- If your cornbread is still slightly undercooked after 25 minutes, cover the pan with a sheet of aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes or so. This will help prevent it from getting too dark on top.
FAQs
Can I bake Jamaican Festival Bread instead of frying it?
Baking Jamaican Festival Bread is a possible alternative to frying, especially for those who are health-conscious or trying to reduce their oil intake. Baking can effectively cook the bread and yield a delicious result. However, it’s important to note that one of the defining characteristics of traditional Jamaican Festival Bread is its crispy, golden exterior that’s typically achieved through deep-frying.
I don’t have cornmeal. Can I still make Jamaican Festival Bread?
Cornmeal, a course of flour ground from dried maize (corn), is a key ingredient in Jamaican Festival Bread. It contributes significantly to the bread’s unique flavor profile and grainy texture. If you don’t have cornmeal on hand, substitutes like polenta or grits can be used as they are also derived from corn.
Is there a vegan version of Jamaican Festival Bread?
Absolutely! A vegan version of Jamaican Festival Bread can be made by substituting regular milk with plant-based alternatives. Almond milk and soy milk are popular choices due to their creamy texture and mild flavor. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that other ingredients used, such as sugar and oil, are vegan-friendly. Many types of sugar are processed with bone char, which is not vegan. Look for organic, unrefined, or beet sugar, which is typically vegan.
Wrapping Up
Jamaican Festival Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make snack or side dish. You can prepare it as you would any other quick bread, using simple ingredients like cornmeal, flour, sugar, milk (or water), and oil. The trick to success is not overmixing the batter and ensuring an even bake by rotating the pan halfway through. If you’re looking for a vegan version, simply substitute regular dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. With its versatile flavor and texture, Jamaican Festival Bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Have fun customizing it to your tastes by adding in different herbs, spices, nuts, or fruits and please share your experience with us!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
