Savory Caribbean Fried Dumplings
Delight in the rich flavors of the Caribbean with these Fried Dumplings, also known as 'bakes.' A staple in Guyanese cuisine, these golden, fluffy morsels are wonderfully versatile—they can be served alongside a hearty stew or enjoyed as a delectable treat topped with honey, butter, or jam. These dumplings are made from a soft, doughy mixture that achieves the perfect combination of crispy edges and a tender interior. Ideal for gatherings or as a tasty snack, they offer a comforting taste of the islands that will have you longing for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
self-rising flour
4 cups (sifted)
sugar
2 teaspoons
salt
1/2 teaspoon
milk
1 1/4 cups
oil
for frying
Instructions
1
NOTE: To make your own self-rising flour, for each pound of flour add 2 teaspoons of salt and 2 tablespoons of baking powder.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-rising flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
3
Gradually pour in the milk, mixing the ingredients with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
4
Knead the dough gently on a floured surface, being careful not to over-mix to avoid toughness; only knead until the dough is smooth.
5
Divide the dough into 10 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball, kneading gently in your hands with some floured palms.
6
Gently flatten each ball to form a thick disc, about 1 inch thick.
7
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
8
Once the oil is hot, carefully place 5 dumplings in the pan, reducing the heat to low.
9
Fry the dumplings for approximately 15 minutes, turning them once halfway through until both sides are golden brown.
10
To brown the edges, stand the dumplings on their side for about 1 minute, ensuring all sides are crispy.
11
Remove the dumplings from the pan and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
12
Keep them warm while you repeat the frying process with the remaining 5 dumplings.
13
Serve the dumplings immediately while they are still warm, with your choice of honey, butter, or jam.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Caribbean Fried Dumplings?
Caribbean Fried Dumplings, also known as 'bakes,' are golden, fluffy, and savory fried dough morsels that are a staple in Guyanese cuisine.
What is another name for Caribbean Fried Dumplings?
In Caribbean cuisine, particularly in Guyana, these dumplings are commonly referred to as 'bakes'.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 4 cups of self-rising flour, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 1/4 cups of milk, and oil for frying.
How do I make my own self-rising flour if I don't have any?
To make your own self-rising flour, add 2 teaspoons of salt and 2 tablespoons of baking powder for every pound of all-purpose flour.
How much sugar is included in the dumplings?
This recipe uses 2 teaspoons of sugar to add a hint of flavor to the savory dough.
What is the first step in preparing the dough?
The first step is to sift together the self-rising flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl until they are well combined.
How should I mix the milk into the dry ingredients?
Gradually pour the milk into the sifted dry ingredients while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
What is the secret to a tender dumpling interior?
The secret is to knead the dough gently and only until it is smooth; over-mixing will result in a tough texture.
How many dumplings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 10 equal portions of dumplings.
How should I shape the dumplings before frying?
Divide the dough into balls, then gently flatten each ball into a thick disc about 1 inch thick.
What type of pan is recommended for frying?
A non-stick frying pan is recommended to prevent the dough from sticking during the cooking process.
What is the proper cooking temperature for frying bakes?
Heat the oil over medium heat initially, then reduce the heat to low once you place the dumplings in the pan.
How long does it take to fry the dumplings?
The dumplings should be fried for approximately 15 minutes total, turning them once halfway through.
How do I ensure the edges of the dumplings are crispy?
To brown the edges, stand the dumplings on their side in the hot oil for about 1 minute.
What should I do after removing the dumplings from the pan?
Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil before serving.
Can I fry all the dumplings at once?
It is best to fry them in batches of 5 to ensure they have enough space to cook evenly.
What is the best way to serve Caribbean Fried Dumplings?
They are best served immediately while warm, either on their own or with toppings like honey, butter, or jam.
Can these dumplings be served with savory dishes?
Yes, they are traditionally served alongside hearty stews for a complete Caribbean meal.
What is the texture of a perfectly cooked dumpling?
A perfect dumpling features crispy golden-brown edges and a soft, tender, and fluffy interior.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe suitable for beginners looking for a comforting taste of the islands.
How much salt is used in the dough?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt added to the dry mixture.
How much milk is needed for the dough consistency?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of milk to achieve the correct sticky dough consistency.
Why is sifting the flour important?
Sifting ensures that the sugar and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour for a consistent flavor.
Can I eat these as a snack?
Absolutely, they make an excellent tasty snack for any time of day.
Is this recipe specifically Guyanese?
Yes, while fried dumplings are found across the Caribbean, this version is a staple in Guyanese cuisine.
How much oil should I use?
Use just enough oil to coat the bottom of your non-stick frying pan.
Should the dough be smooth or lumpy?
The dough should be kneaded until it reaches a smooth consistency.
How do I keep the first batch warm?
You can keep the first batch warm on a plate while you repeat the frying process with the remaining dough portions.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
This recipe falls into several categories including snack, bread, comfort food, and fried savory treats.
Can I use floured palms while shaping the dough?
Yes, using floured palms helps manage the sticky dough while you knead and shape it into balls.