Jamaican Festival
Jamaican Festival are sweet, fried breadsticks with a hint of allspice, perfect as a snack or side dish, especially when paired with fried fish or other Caribbean dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the flour, allspice, salt, and baking powder together.
- Add the cornmeal and brown sugar to the dry ingredients.
- Mix vanilla extract into the water.
- Add the water to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough lightly.
- Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
- Flour your hands and knead each portion lightly.
- Roll and pull each portion into a 6 x 1.5-inch length, about 1/8-inch thick.
- Dip each portion in flour and cornmeal mixture.
- Fry in plenty of hot oil until golden brown, piercing with a fork while frying.
- If serving with fried fish, fry the Festival after the fish in the same oil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier texture, ensure your baking powder is fresh. You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar or honey if needed. If you're looking for a vegan version, replace the water with plant-based milk. For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jamaican Festival alongside fried fish for a traditional pairing. They also complement dishes like Cabbage Oriental or English Hot Slaw. For a sweet twist, try them with a side of Apple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes. Enjoy them fresh out of the oil for the best texture!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Jamaican Festival in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster oven until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jamaican Festival contains roughly 478 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying to ensure even cooking.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, for frying the festival. This ensures they fry evenly and absorb less oil, resulting in a light, crispy texture.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying is traditional, you can bake the festival. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place them on a baking sheet, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won't have the same texture but will be a healthier option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).