How to Make the Perfect Festival
Caribbean · Easy · 25 min · 8 servings
These sweet fried Caribbean cornmeal dumplings are one of the most kid friendly Caribbean treats you can make because children absolutely love their slightly crispy outside and soft fluffy inside. Parents enjoy this simple recipe because it uses just a few pantry staples and fries up in minutes as a fun side dish or snack.
Why this recipe works
This Festival recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 190 calories with 3g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 0.5 cup fine cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 cup water or milk
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl, then gradually add water or milk and mix until a soft dough comes together that is not sticky.
Step 2: Shape the Festival
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each one between your palms into a slightly elongated oval or sausage shape about 4 inches long.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat until shimmering, then carefully lower the festival pieces in and fry for 5 to 6 minutes turning occasionally until deep golden all around.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
Remove the festival from the oil and drain on paper towels for 2 minutes before serving warm as a sweet and satisfying accompaniment to any Caribbean main dish.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- all purpose flour → a gluten-free flour blend that works well in this recipe for children with gluten sensitivities
- water → whole milk which makes the dough richer and the festival even softer and more tender inside
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Frying in oil that is not hot enough which causes the festival to absorb excess oil and become soggy and greasy
- Making the dough too wet and sticky which makes shaping very difficult and causes the festival to fall apart in the oil
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 190 calories, 3g protein, 30g carbs, 7g fat, 1g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →