Trinidad Fry 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.

COCONUT FRY BREAD (AKA COCONUT BAKE IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO)

Steps:

• In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, knead together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, shortening, butter, water, coconut milk and coconut flakes. Let rest for 1 hour.
• Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven.
• Divide the dough into 3- to 4-inch balls and press flat. In batches, deep-fry until light- to golden-brown.

MAMA'S FRY BAKES ( ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES)

Steps:

• If not using yeast, omit step 6. The dough can be rolled out and fried immediately.
• Mix together the flour, salt, baking powder and yeast.
• Rub in the shortening.
• Add sufficient water to the flour mixture to make a smooth dough.
• Knead dough lightly until smooth.
• Cover with a damp cloth and leave dough to relax for ½ hr).
• After dough has rested for ½ hour, divide and shape into 12 balls.
• Roll each ball of dough on a lightly floured surface, to 1/4 " thick and 3 1/2" round.
• Fry in hot oil until brown on both sides.
• Put on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
• These freeze well and can be reheated in the microwave.