When I was first introduced to Fry Bakes while visiting my husband’s side of the family in Barbados, I couldn’t figure out why it was called “Fry” Bakes. You either fry something or bake it, at least that is what I thought. But this is the local name in pretty much any English-speaking Caribbean island. They are also referred to simply as “Bakes”. It’s an easy way to make bread without using an oven. Usually it’s enjoyed right on the beach, cooked up fresh and hot and served with fresh fish Ceviche or salt fish stews or in Jamaica it’s served with Salt Fish and Achee (a small green, tart fruit). It’s delicious, it’s portable and it’s simple to make. I’ve learned that if I want to make the Caribbean side of my family happy, all I have to do is cook up some Fry Bakes and cut up some good quality aged English Cheddar and watch everyone go crazy eating it. Enjoy!
Proof the yeast in a glass measuring cup
Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and add oil and proofed yeast
Knead into a dough, cover and let it rest
Shape into dough balls
Roll out on a lightly floured surface
Fry the bakes in heated oil
Fry bakes and cheese
Caribbean Fry Bakes
Caribbean Fry Bakes
7 cups All-Purpose flour
2 tablespoons of Kosher Salt
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast
1 tsp baking powder
3 cups warm water
Vegetable oil for frying
In a glass measuring cup add sugar to one cup of warm water, stir and add in yeast and let it proof by bubbling and foaming. In a large bowl, mix together flour salt and baking powder. Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and add oil and proofed yeast. Mix in with your hands and slowly add in remaining two cups of water. Knead until dough is soft and elastic. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for about 20-30 minutes. Dough will rise during that time. Make little dough balls, about 1 1/2 inch in diameter and roll out on a lightly floured surface into about 3″ circles. Heat oil in a small frying pan (medium heat) and gently place dough in oil and fry until golden brown. Serve hot with sharp cheddar cheese slices (we love Dubliner or aged English Cheddar) or with fresh Ceviche. Makes about 35 fry bakes.
Kolpona Cuisine 