Jamaican Fried Dumplings: Heritage, Fellowship & Food to Share

I am keeping this recipe because it has a distinct place beside the boiled dumpling version: crisp outside, soft inside, and suited to breakfast or a shared savoury meal. The faith connection is not a claim about the recipe itself; it is the habit of using familiar food to welcome people and preserve family heritage.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar, optional
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• About 3/4 cup water, added gradually
• Neutral cooking oil for frying

Method

1. Mix flour, baking powder, salt and optional sugar.
2. Work in the butter until crumbly.
3. Add water gradually and knead into a soft, non-sticky dough.
4. Rest about 10 minutes, then divide and flatten into small rounds.
5. Fry over medium heat until golden and cooked through, turning as needed.
6. Drain and serve warm.

Serve with Jamaican Curry Chicken, or compare the boiled dumpling version. If gluten is an issue for someone at your table, use the gluten-free fried dumplings.