🇯🇲 Traditional Jamaican Johnny Cakes (Fried Dumplings)

📝 Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp sugar (optional, but traditional)

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp cold butter or margarine

½ cup water (add more 1 tbsp at a time, if needed)

Vegetable oil for frying

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🥣 Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

2. Cut in butter:

Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub it into the flour until the texture becomes crumbly like coarse sand.

3. Add water:

Slowly add the water while mixing until a soft dough forms. It shouldn’t be sticky, but don’t over-knead.

4. Rest the dough:

Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.

5. Shape the cakes:

Divide dough into 6–8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then flatten slightly into a disc (about ½ inch thick).

6. Heat oil:

In a deep frying pan or skillet, heat about 1–2 inches of oil over medium heat. It should be hot but not smoking (around 350°F or 175°C).

7. Fry the Johnny Cakes:

Carefully place the dough discs in the oil. Fry until golden brown on each side, turning occasionally—about 4–6 minutes total. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

8. Drain:

Remove with tongs and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

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🍯 Serve With:

Ackee & saltfish

Stewed chicken or curry

Cheese or butter

Honey or jam

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🔥 Tips:

For a crispier outside, let the dough rest a bit longer.

Want a fluffier texture? Use milk instead of water.

Add a pinch of nutmeg for a lightly spiced version.