Fry Bake Recipe (Trinidad)

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Ever since I was a little boy in Trini, FRY BAKE was a breakfast staple.  Eaten by itself or with just butter!  Most Trinis eat fried bake with salt fish buljol or smoked herring.

Bake: A circular thick but flattish bread, made of flour, water and baking soda; fried (FRY BAKE). I’ve been teaching my kids the following easy FRY BAKE recipe that I adapted from the Food Network.

Fry Bake Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (329 grams)
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder +  (In addition I use 1/8 teaspoon of instant yeast)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (I use 3 tablespoons of butter, flakier bake)
• 3/4 cup warm water (I melt the 3 tablespoons of butter in the lukewarm water – 100 F or 37.8 C)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Equipment (Optional but I recommend)

• Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer (Fast, Easy, no need to get your hands in the flour)

Directions

• Using a sieve over a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, instant yeast(optional), 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 bowl’s sides. When the dough is soft but not sticky, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface.  I use the Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer instead of hand kneading.  I knead the dough in the mixer for 8 minutes or until it stops sticking to the sides.

• 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. I put mine in a warm oven (170 F/ 76 C) for 20 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. I let mine rise for 20 minutes to get a fluffier bake. 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 between 360 to 380 degrees F (182 C to 193 C).  I splash hot oil over the top while cooking.   See video.

• 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 favourite stew or casserole.

Fry Bake Recipe Finished Product

Leave your comments below or your tweaks to your own fry bake recipe! Visit our eStore for Trinidad & Tobago Products. Original fry bake recipe courtesy Elizabeth Beckles.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
Bake dark on the outside or raw inside?	Try reducing the temperature of your oil. Your oil may be too hot. The ideal temperature for frying is 350-360 F (~176 C)
Bake does not float / ‘puff up’?	Try adding yeast to your next batch or don’t roll the discs to thin or splash oil over the bake while frying (See video above). Proof your yeast separately to ensure yeast is still good.

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