Fried Bakes

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup + 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (excluding sugar used for yeast activation, see instructions*)
• 1¼ tablespoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups of water
• 3 cups of vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Saltfish Filling

• 1 lb salted codfish
• ⅓ each of red, green, and yellow bell peppers
• 3 scallions, finely chopped
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 small tomato
• ½ teaspoon freshly chopped parsley or cilantro
• 1 wiri wiri pepper or your favorite Caribbean hot pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Chicken bouillon to taste
• Creole seasoning to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Fried Bakes:

Step 1: Yeast Activation

1. 1In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup lukewarm water, 1 tbsp sugar, and yeast. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. 1In a large mixing bowl, add flour and butter. Incorporate well by using your fingertips. Next, add salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking powder, and sugar, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and lukewarm water. Mix everything together to form a soft dough ball.

Step 3: Knead and portion the Dough

1. 1Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth. Once ready, divide the dough into 14 equal portions (or your preferred number). Roll each piece into a small ball.

Step 4: Proof the Dough

1. 1Place the dough balls onto a floured surface or tray and cover them with a dish towel. Let them rest in a warm place for 20-30 minutes to rise.

Step 5: Flatten the Dough

1. 1Lightly flour a clean surface and use a rolling pin or your palm to flatten the dough ball into a thin 1/4-inch circle. Cover the flattened dough with a kitchen towel to prevent drying.

Step 6: Fry to golden perfection

1. 1Heat oil in a deep frying pan over high heat. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium and carefully place a piece of dough into the oil.
2. 2Use a large spoon to immediately baste the top of the dough with oil for 10 seconds, then flip and repeat on the other side. Allow it to fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffy. Flip once more for even cooking.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

1. 1Remove the fried bake from the oil and place it in a bowl lined with parchment paper or paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat the frying process for the remaining dough.

Salt-Fish:

Step 1: Prepare the Saltfish and Chop Aromatics

1. 1Before cooking, it’s essential to properly prepare your salted codfish. Place it in a pot of water and boil for 10–15 minutes. Drain the water, then remove any bones. Rinse the fish under cold water and use your hands or a strainer to squeeze out the excess salt. Repeat this process until most of the salt—about 99%—is removed. This step is important because you’ll be adding your own seasonings later to flavor the salt fish.
2. 2At the same time, chop your fresh aromatics: garlic, onion, scallions, bell peppers (red, green, yellow), hot pepper, and tomato.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Saltfish

1. 1In a skillet, heat ⅓ cup of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, onion, and mixed bell peppers. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Then add the flaked saltfish and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Continue sautéing for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the saltfish to absorb the aromatics.

Step 3: Season and Finish Cooking

1. 1Next, stir in the diced tomato, scallions, and your hot pepper of choice. Mix well to combine everything evenly. Season the mixture with black pepper, a pinch of salt (if needed), Creole seasoning, and chicken bouillon powder to taste. These seasonings bring out that authentic Caribbean flavor we all love.
2. 2Continue cooking for 2–3 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the saltfish mixture is fully cooked, aromatic, and bursting with savory goodness!

Notes:

Bakes

1. 1After mixing your ingredients, your dough should be a bit sticky. After you place it onto a floured surface and knead it, it will all come together.
2. 2The dough just needs to rise slightly. If you leave it long it will form a crust on top. 30 minutes should be fine in a warm place
3. 3Be sure to allow the bake to sit and cook in oil for 1-2 minutes.

Saltfish

1. 1If you don’t have access to saltfish. A great alternative is canned sardine or salmon or smoked herring
2. 2Boil the salt-fish to eliminate the saltiness as you will be using seasoning during the frying process.
3. 3Parsley or Cilantro is not traditionally added to salt-fish but OMG it gives it such a fresh taste.
4. 4You can use any seasoning of your choice to flavor your saltfish.