Trinidad Fried Bake

Step 1

Mix together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.

Step 2

Add butter and mix with a fork or use your fingers until the flour resembles coarse breadcrumbs

Step 3

Make a hole or well in the center of the flour and start pouring 3/4 cup water while mixing and stirring in a circular motion.

Step 4

Dough should begin to resemble really coarse crumbs at this stage

Step 5

Add 1/4 cup more water and continue mixing gently for about 5 minutes until you form a nice soft dough.

Step 6

If dough is too sticky, dust with a tablespoon of flour, if dough is too dry after adding all the water, add another one tablespoon or so of water and bring the dough together.

Step 7

Allow to rest for about 3-5 minutes, then dust with flour and knead to form a smoother dough.

Step 8

Rub some oil on top of dough and allow the dough to rest for 25 - 30 minutes covered with plastic wrap or a damp paper or kitchen towel

Step 9

Cut the dough into 6 or 8 pieces (depending on how large you want the fried bakes to be)

Step 10

Roll them into balls and place on a clean, well-floured surface. Allow to rest for at least 10 – 15 minutes. “covered”

Step 11

Flatten the balls of dough until they are about ¼ inch thick, and 5 -6 inches in diameter using your fingers or a rolling pin

Step 12

Add oil in a deep pan to a depth of about two inches over medium heat

Step 13

When oil is heated through, start adding the rolled out dough to the hot oil

Step 14

Turn dough immediately as it’s added to the oil , as this will help the bake swell or puff up

Step 15

Fry in hot oil until both sides are golden brown, about 30 - 45 seconds per side ,turn over once

Step 16

Drain on paper towel so as to eliminate some of the grease from the oil.

Step 17

Serve with Fried Salt fish or Fried Shark or anything you fancy.