
This easy Coconut Spiced Jamaican Festival recipe delivers crispy, sweet fried dumplings in just 30 minutes. Perfectly enriched with creamy coconut milk and nutmeg, these golden treats are the ultimate side dish for jerk meats.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon until well combined.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the coconut milk and vanilla extract.
Gently mix the ingredients with a spoon or your hand until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms; do not overwork the dough or the dumplings will become tough.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for about 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
While the dough rests, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a sausage or cigar shape, roughly 3 to 4 inches long.
Carefully place the shaped dough into the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the festivals for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
Remove the festivals with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Serve immediately while warm and crispy alongside spicy jerk chicken, fish, or simply enjoy as a sweet snack.





