Festivals (Sweet Fried Cornmeal Dumplings)

Method

1. 1

   Whisk the flour, cornmeal, sugar and baking powder together in a bowl.

2. 2

   Stir in the vanilla, then add water a little at a time, mixing to a soft, slightly sticky dough that just holds together.

3. 3

   Cover and rest the dough 10 minutes so the cornmeal softens.

4. 4

   Pinch off pieces and roll between your palms into thick fingers, tapering the ends slightly.

   💡 Roll them a uniform size so they all finish frying at the same time.

5. 5

   Heat the sunflower oil in a deep skillet to 170°C.

6. 6

   Fry the dumplings in batches, turning often, until deep gold all over, about 8 minutes.

   💡 Medium heat — hot oil browns the outside before the middle cooks.

7. 7

   Drain and serve hot beside anything jerked or fried.