Fried dumplings are traditionally called Johnny Cakes, which derived from the name journey cake. During slavery times in Jamaica these fried “biscuits” were packed to take on long journeys, which is how they got their name. Today Fried Dumplings are usually partnered with breakfast dishes like Callaloo and Ackee and Saltfish.
Ingredients
2 cups All-purpose flour
1/2 to 1 tsp Salt (if using salted butter or margarine use 1/2 tsp salt)
3 tsp Baking powder
3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter or margarine
3/4 cup Cold water
1/2 cup Cooking oil
Cooking tip: How do you know they’re cooked inside? When you tap the dumplings in the pan they should sound hollow
Instructions
1. Combine flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl
2. Blend butter into dry ingredients with hands or mixer until crumbly
3. Add water, a little at a time, to dry ingredients until dough holds together (you may
not need all the water). Sprinkle with more flour if dough is too wet.
4. Knead dough until smooth; do not over knead. Place in fridge for 15 minutes
5. Shape dough into 8 small balls (enough to fit in palm)
6. Pour cooking oil into frying pan and set stove to Medium High
7. Place dumplings into pan; oil should be sizzling
8. As each side browns continually turn dumplings until all sides are brown and
dumplings are light and fluffy
Makes about 8
