Jamaican Festival Bread is a delicious side dish that is a staple in many Jamaican households, and it’s about time you learn how to make your very own.
Whether you’re looking for something new to add to your weekly dinner rotation or want an easy snack that packs a flavor punch, this has you covered.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious and flavorful Jamaican Festival Bread that will be sure to please the whole family. Jamaican Festival Bread is a classic Caribbean side dish, perfect for any occasion.
This easy-to-follow guide will help you make light, fluffy, and delicious festival bread that’s sure to be a hit! We’ve included step-by-step instructions with ingredients and measurements so you can recreate this Jamaican classic in no time. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started!
What is Jamaican Festival Bread?
Jamaican Festival Bread is a traditional side dish that has been enjoyed in Jamaica for centuries. The bread is made with just four simple ingredients: all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, salt, and baking powder.
It can be served hot or cold as part of a meal or as an appetizer. Jamaican Festival Bread has many benefits for both your health and your taste buds.
It is low in calories and a good source of carbohydrates, making it a great snack to give you energy throughout the day. Plus, with just four simple ingredients that can be easily found in your pantry, this is a quick and easy recipe to make.
What does it taste like?
Jamaican Festival Bread has a unique taste and texture that is unlike any other bread. It’s slightly sweet and buttery, with a light and fluffy texture that is both satisfying and delicious.
The addition of the yellow cornmeal adds a subtle nutty flavor, along with a texture that complements the softness of the bread. The sugar and butter provide a delightful sweetness that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
How did I first get introduced to the Jamaican Festival Bread?
My introduction to Jamaican Festival Bread was during a trip I took to Jamaica several years ago. After spending a few days soaking up the sun and exploring the country’s beautiful beaches, I decided to take a day trip to Kingston.
It was here that I stumbled across a bustling outdoor market filled with vendors selling a variety of goods, including traditional Jamaican dishes. I was drawn to the smell of freshly baked bread wafting in the air and decided to investigate further.
It was then that I discovered Jamaican Festival Bread. The vendors were busy rolling out the dough and shaping it into flat discs before baking them in an oven over a fire. As they cooked, the breads were brushed with butter and sprinkled with sugar to give them a sweet finish.
I couldn’t resist trying one of these fresh-baked treats and was hooked from my first bite. The light and fluffy texture combined with the sweetness of the sugar was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. After that day, I could never forget the taste of that Jamaican Festival Bread and have been eager to recreate it ever since.
Today I am proud to share this recipe with you so that you can enjoy the same delicious bread that first stole my heart all those years ago. I hope you will take the time to make this recipe and enjoy a taste of Jamaica right in your own home.
How to make Jamaican Festival Bread?
Making Jamaican Festival Bread is simple and straightforward. Gather the ingredients and let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this:
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Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: this is the main ingredient for this recipe. It helps bind all of the other ingredients together and gives your bread its texture.
- Vegetable Oil: This helps to create a moist and fluffy texture when baking the Jamaican Festival Bread.
- Salt: Helps bring out the flavor of all of the other ingredients in your bread.
- Baking Powder: This helps your bread to rise and get light and fluffy in texture.
- Milk: Used to add moisture to the bread and helps with the overall flavor of the recipe.
- Granulated White Sugar: Adds sweetness and an extra layer of flavor to your Jamaican Festival Bread.
- Yellow Cornmeal: This is what gives the bread its unique flavor and texture. It also helps keep the bread moist.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Make the dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Add in the vegetable oil and milk and mix until everything is combined into a thick dough.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 2
Shape the bread
- Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece of dough into a ball and flatten slightly.
- Place 2 tablespoons of yellow cornmeal onto a baking sheet.
- Place the flattened dough onto the baking sheet, making sure to cover all sides in cornmeal.
Step 3
Bake the bread
- Preheat an oven to 375°F.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated white sugar.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips
- If your dough is too sticky, add a few tablespoons of flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
- You can add other spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have yellow cornmeal, you can use regular white cornmeal.
- Add a sprinkling of sea salt on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- You can also serve the Jamaican Festival Bread with your favorite dipping sauce such as hummus or tzatziki.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder
- 3/4 cup Milk
- 4 tbsp Granulated White Sugar
- 1/2 cup Yellow Cornmeal fine
Instructions
- Make the dough.
- Shape the bread.
- Bake the bread.
Video
Notes
- If your dough is too sticky, add a few tablespoons of flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
- You can add other spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have yellow cornmeal, you can use regular white cornmeal.
- Add a sprinkling of sea salt on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- You can also serve the Jamaican Festival Bread with your favorite dipping sauce such as hummus or tzatziki.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Jamaican Festival Bread?
Here are some great ideas to serve with your Jamaican Festival Bread:
- Coconut Curry: Jamaican Festival Bread is the perfect accompaniment to creamy coconut curry. The sweetness of the bread pairs perfectly with the savory spices in this dish.
- Plantains: Enjoy your Jamaican Festival Bread with roasted plantains for a delicious and unique flavor combination. Plantains are a traditional side dish, so it’s the perfect dish to serve alongside your homemade bread.
- Seafood Stew: Make a big batch of seafood stew for an easy and delicious dinner. Serve with Jamaican Festival Bread on the side for a heartier meal.
- Jerk Chicken: For a classic Caribbean flavor, pair your Jamaican Festival Bread with jerk chicken. The spicy flavors of this dish are perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the bread.
- Salads: Add a slice of Jamaican Festival Bread to your favorite salads for a unique twist. The sweetness of the bread pairs perfectly with a variety of savory dressings and greens.
How to store leftover Jamaican Festival Bread?
Leftover Jamaican Festival Bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To keep the bread from drying out, it is best to store it in a cool and dry place such as a pantry or kitchen cupboard.
If you need to freeze the bread, make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it in plastic wrap and storing it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can safely eat Jamaican Festival Bread. The ingredients in this recipe are all safe for consumption during pregnancy and the bread should be cooked thoroughly to ensure that it is properly cooked before eating.
When cooking with raw dough, make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands after handling as it may contain bacteria that could cause food poisoning.
Additionally, make sure to check the expiration date on all of your ingredients and use only fresh products for the best results. Eating freshly cooked Jamaican Festival Bread is a great way to get some extra energy and nutrients while pregnant.
FAQs
Is Jamaican Festival Bread vegan?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegan. All of the ingredients are plant-based and do not contain any animal products.
Is Jamaica Festival Bread healthy?
Yes, this bread can be a healthy snack or meal option. It does contain some sugar but the majority of the sweetness comes from natural ingredients such as yellow cornmeal. The vegetable oil and milk used in the recipe help to add moisture and flavor without additional fat or calories.
Can you use any type of flour for this?
Yes, you can use any type of all-purpose flour for this recipe. Whole wheat, spelled, oat, or almond flour can also be used but keep in mind that the texture of the bread may be slightly different.
Can this be made with a bread machine?
Yes, you can make Jamaican Festival Bread using a bread machine. Simply follow your machine’s instructions for adding and mixing ingredients and then baking the dough. Be sure to use the “dough” setting and then shape the dough into balls before baking.
Can I make this with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make Jamaican Festival Bread. Be sure to find a good quality all-purpose gluten-free flour or a blend of flours specifically designed for bread making. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid used or add xanthan gum to help the dough hold together.
Wrapping Up
Thank you so much for reading about how to make Jamaican Festival Bread. This delicious bread is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Jamaica and make a special treat for your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this flavorful bread in no time.
Please share this article with your friends and family, so they too can experience the traditional flavors of Jamaica.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more