When I was young, one of my favorite memories was making these Caribbean boiled dumplings with my beloved auntie. I especially loved the kneading and the shaping part. It feels like I’m playing with Play-Doh, but I get to eat them for real after. Aah! The joy of eating them after my “hard work” is very fulfilling, indeed, said the little me. And, of course, it has remained my go-to comfort food until now. So, whenever I crave Jamaican Stew Peas (which happens almost every week, by the way), I’ll happily make these Jamaican spinners. Good thing they are not complicated. Whew! Like fufu, these dumplings are a popular Caribbean staple. Boiled dumplings are sometimes called spinners, while the fried version with cornmeal is called festivals.
Recipe Ingredients
I mentioned kneading earlier, but let that intimidate you because it feels like playing with the dough until it comes together. Plus, you only need four ingredients for these. I told you it’s simple!
Flour – Is our key ingredient and the body of our dumplings. As we all know, flour is somewhat flavorless, so we’ll add a little bit of salt for flavor.Cornmeal – This one is optional, but adding cornmeal will give your Jamaican dumplings a richer flavor.
How to Make Boiled Dumplings
Make the Dough Shape and Cook
Recipe Variation
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instruction
And yes, these doughy treats can be made ahead. Just make them as instructed, shape them, store them in an airtight container, and keep them in the fridge or freezer. Making a big batch is a great idea so that you can enjoy them anytime you want. Or make them in different versions to double the fun. 😉
Serving and Storage Instruction
Serving – Aside from enjoying these boiled dumplings as a side dish, you can also add them to your stews and soup, like what I did in Jamaican Stewed Peas. Everything just blends in like a perfect harmony. I wouldn’t blame you if you ate them every day. 😉 Storing – If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, I suggest keeping them in an airtight container or freezer-safe resealable bag. Remember to drain them well and allow them to cool completely before storing them. You can refrigerate them safely for up to 4 days and 2 months in the freezer. Reheating – Boil a pot of water and the leftover spinners or festival and let them simmer until they are heated through. I recommend thawing the frozen dumplings inside the fridge overnight to facilitate quick reheating. But if you forget to thaw them the night before, you can boil them directly; however, cooking time will be longer.
What to Serve with Caribbean Boiled Dumplings
There are many ways to enjoy our Jamaican boiled dumplings, but my favorite is eating them with the savory dishes below. Aah! Such a delightful experience!
More Incredible Caribbean Dishes to Try
Conclusion
These boiled dumplings make a great starter if you are new to Caribbean cuisine. They are easy to make, affordable, and incredibly tasty. What do you plan on having them with? Comment below and let me know.
Watch How to Make It
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