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How to make fried festivals, escovitch fish and fried bammy | Jamaican authentic fried fish

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3 recipes
pescatarian

Originating in Jamaica, Escovitch Fish is a vibrant dish traditionally made with fried fish topped with a spicy pickled vegetable sauce. This dish reflects the island's rich culinary heritage, influenced by Spanish and African flavors, and is often enjoyed during festive occasions. Today, Escovitch Fish is celebrated not only in Jamaica but also in Caribbean communities worldwide, showcasing the region's love for bold flavors and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

  • whole fish
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • lime juice
  • flour
  • vegetable oil
  • onion
  • carrot
  • bell pepper
  • scotch bonnet pepper
  • garlic
  • thyme
  • vinegar
  • sugar
  • pimento seeds

Instructions

  1. 1Clean and scale the fish, then pat dry with paper towels.
  2. 2Season the fish with salt, black pepper, and lime juice, then let marinate for 20 minutes.
  3. 3Dredge the fish in flour, shaking off excess flour.
  4. 4Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. 5Fry the fish for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. 6Remove the fish and drain on paper towels.
  7. 7In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
  8. 8Add sliced onions, carrots, and bell peppers, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  9. 9Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper, cooking for an additional minute.
  10. 10Pour vinegar and sugar into the pan, and add pimento seeds; stir to combine.
  11. 11Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat.
  12. 12Pour the vegetable mixture over the fried fish, ensuring it's well coated.
  13. 13Let the fish marinate in the pickling mixture for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

whole fish

Healthier: filleted fish

Cheaper: frozen fish

Filleted fish is easier to prepare and frozen options are often more affordable.

vinegar

Healthier: apple cider vinegar

Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar offers a milder flavor while being widely available.

scotch bonnet pepper

Healthier: jalapeño

Cheaper: banana pepper

Jalapeños provide heat with less intensity, while banana peppers are milder and more accessible.

pimento seeds

Healthier: allspice

Cheaper: mixed spices

Allspice captures the essence of pimento and is readily available.

Techniques

fryingpicklingsautéing

Equipment

large skilletmixing bowlcutting boardknifetongs
🌶️🌶️🌶️Hotfishgluten

Also Known As

EscovitchEscovitch Snapper

Fried Festivals are a beloved Jamaican treat, often enjoyed at parties and festivals. Originating from the island's rich culinary heritage, these sweet, fried dumplings are made with a simple mixture of flour, cornmeal, and sugar, creating a delightful contrast to savory dishes like jerk chicken. Festivals are often served alongside fish or enjoyed as a snack on their own, and their popularity has spread beyond Jamaica, making them a favorite in Caribbean cuisine.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
  • cornmeal
  • sugar
  • baking powder
  • salt
  • water
  • vanilla extract
  • cooking oil

Instructions

  1. 1Mix all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  2. 2Add water gradually while mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. 3Incorporate vanilla extract into the dough for flavor.
  4. 4Knead the dough gently on a floured surface until smooth.
  5. 5Divide the dough into small balls or logs, about 4-5 inches long.
  6. 6Heat cooking oil in a deep pan over medium heat until hot.
  7. 7Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time.
  8. 8Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
  9. 9Remove the festivals with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  10. 10Serve warm as a side dish or snack.

Ingredient Alternatives

all-purpose flour

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Cheaper: corn flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber while corn flour is often less expensive.

cooking oil

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Coconut oil adds a distinct flavor while vegetable oil is usually cheaper.

Techniques

mixingkneadingfrying

Equipment

mixing bowldeep panslotted spoonpaper towels
gluten

Also Known As

FestivalJamaican Festival
veganplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Fried Bammy is a traditional Jamaican dish made from cassava, a root vegetable native to South America and widely used in Caribbean cuisine. It serves as a staple food, often enjoyed with fish or meat dishes. The preparation involves soaking the bammy in coconut milk before frying, which enhances its flavor and texture. Today, bammy is celebrated not only in Jamaica but has also found its way into Caribbean restaurants around the world, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Ingredients

  • bammy
  • coconut milk
  • salt
  • water
  • oil
  • lime juice
  • pepper
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • scallions
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Soak bammy in coconut milk for 5-10 minutes until softened.
  2. 2Remove bammy from coconut milk and squeeze out excess liquid.
  3. 3Sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of the bammy.
  4. 4Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat until shimmering.
  5. 5Fry the bammy for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  6. 6Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
  7. 7Serve warm with lime juice drizzled on top.

Ingredient Alternatives

coconut milk

Healthier: almond milk

Cheaper: water

Almond milk reduces calories while still adding creaminess.

bammy

Healthier: cassava flatbread

Cheaper: corn tortillas

Corn tortillas are more accessible and cost-effective.

Techniques

frying

Equipment

frying panpaper towelsmixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

BammyBami

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