Fried Bake Food

TRINIDAD FRIED BAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, add flour, salt, sugar and baking powder. Rub in butter (if using). Mix well.
• While gradually adding water, knead to make a very soft, smooth dough, about 3 minutes--not too long. Do not fold over and please try to use ALL the water called for in the recipe. It's better to have a sticky dough that you can add a pinch of flour to, rather than a stiff, dry dough.
• Form into a large ball(or two) and cover with a wet paper towel. Let it rest for about 15-30 minutes. You can refrigerate for several hours or overnight. This helps to create a fluffier result.
• Divide dough into small "golf" balls. On a lightly-floured surface flatten (1/4 inch) using hands or rolling pin. If you roll it out too thin, your bakes will be stiff and hard. (See other option below-"How to make triangles").
• Pour oil into a frying pan on medium heat.
• Working in batches, fry the dough disks, turning once, until golden brown and puffed, about 30 seconds per side. Continuously pour oil on bakes to help it to rise. Always flip bakes as soon as it puffs up and has a golden color. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bakes to a paper towel-lined plate. Overcooking will also make the bakes stiff.

FRIED BAKES OR FLOATS

Steps:

• Using a sieve over a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and, using your fingertips, work it into the flour mixture to form pea-sized pieces. While stirring with a wooden spoon, slowly add water in a stream, until the flour starts to leave the sides of the bowl. When dough is soft, but not sticky, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface.
• Knead the dough, divide and roll the dough into small balls the size of golf balls. Cover the dough balls with a damp paper towel, covered by a regular kitchen towel, and let rest for 10 minutes.
• Knead the dough balls for a second time until smooth and soft to the touch, and let rest, covered again with the 2 towels, about 10 minutes more.
• Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a 4-inch disk
• Pour the oil into a wok to a depth of 2 inches. Place the pot over medium heat and heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 375 degrees F. Working in batches, fry the dough disks, turning once, until golden brown and puffed, about 30 seconds per side. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bakes to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve with Trinidadian dal, rice, and bhaji, or your favorite stew or casserole.

CRISPY BAKED 'FRIED' CHICKEN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place a rack in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet.
• Rinse the chicken in cold water; pat dry. In a wide bowl or on a plate, season the flour with salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Dredge each chicken piece through the flour so it's fully coated, tap against the bowl to shake off excess flour and set aside. Discard the flour.
• Here comes the part kids like best: Crush the cornflakes by placing them in a big resealable plastic bag, carefully pressing the bag to push out the air. Seal up the bag (with as little air inside as possible) and run over the flakes with a rolling pin. Open the bag and pour the crushed flakes into a wide bowl or onto a plate.
• In a large bowl (big enough to dredge the chicken pieces), mix the buttermilk, mustard, cayenne pepper, paprika and sage. Give each floured chicken piece a good buttermilk bath and then roll in the cornflake crumbs.
• Arrange the chicken pieces on the rack and place in the hot oven. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, lower the heat to 375 degrees and cook for another 25 to 30 minutes, until cooked through and crispy. The juices should run clear when the meat is pierced with a knife. Serve with Easy Greens.
• Per serving: Calories 520; Fat 22 g (Sat. 6 g; Mono. 9 g; Poly. 5 g); Cholesterol 136 mg; Sodium 1,040 mg; Carbohydrate 41 g; Fiber 1.5 g; Protein 40 g
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 pounds hearty greens (escarole, chicory, mustard greens or a combination, large stems trimmed), slightly cover the pot and cook until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain greens in a colander, then let cool about 10 minutes. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons each extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
• Per serving: Calories 130; Fat 10.5 g (Sat. 1.5 g; Mono. 7.4 g; Poly. 1.2 g); Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 27.5 mg; Carbohydrate 9 g; Fiber 7 g; Protein 2.5 g

FRIED & BAKED PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Rinse pork chops, pat dry, and season with garlic powder and seasoning salt to taste.
• Place the beaten eggs in a small bowl.
• Dredge the pork chops lightly in flour, dip in the egg, and coat liberally with bread crumbs.
• Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the pork chops 5 minutes per side, or until the breading appears well browned.
• Transfer the chops to a 9x13 inch baking dish, and cover with foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
• While baking, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk and white wine in a medium bowl.
• After the pork chops have baked for an hour, cover them with the soup mixture. Replace foil, and bake for another 30 minutes.

BAKED "FRIED" RICE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Place rice in a large baking dish. Drizzle in canola and sesame oils; toss to coat rice completely. Add garlic, green onions, bell peppers, carrots, peas, and ham. Season with salt. Stir until well combined.
• Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, and chile paste in a pot over high heat. Stir and bring to a boil. Pour on top of the rice and stir briefly. Cover top tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 32 minutes. Remove and let stand for 10 minutes. Uncover; fluff rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Increase oven temperature to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). Return to the oven until rice is browned and crusted, about 10 minutes.

FRIED RICE CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Mix all ingredients together in a casserole.
• Cover and bake 1 hour.