If there’s one thing I absolutely love, it’s cornmeal dumplings!

For me, they have a texture and flavor that regular flour dumplings just can’t beat. So if you are making a pot of steaming soup, a spicy curry, or even a hearty crab and dumpling dish, cornmeal dumplings are the perfect addition.

They bring a slight sweetness, a bit of texture, and just the right balance to all sorts of Caribbean dishes.

Plus, they’re super easy to make and pack a ton of flavor.

What are Cornmeal Dumplings?

Cornmeal dumplings are a staple in Caribbean cuisine and have a slightly dense texture and mildly sweet flavor.

They are flour and cornmeal, bound together with water, and then boiled until tender yet firm.

Cornmeal adds a subtle crunch and extra heartiness that makes these dumplings perfect for soaking up all the flavors of any sauce.

How to Make Jamaican Cornmeal Dumplings

Jamaican cornmeal dumplings are simple to make and only require a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornmeal (fine or medium ground)
½ teaspoon salt
Water (about ¾ cup, or as needed)

Instructions:

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Add water gradually: Slowly pour in water, a little at a time, while mixing the dough with your hands or a spoon. You want to create a firm but slightly sticky dough. Be careful not to add too much water at once—you can always add more if needed.

Knead the dough: Once the dough starts coming together, knead it for a couple of minutes until it’s smooth and firm. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on your hands and continue kneading.

Shape the dumplings: Break off small pieces of dough and roll them into balls (about the size of a golf ball). You can leave them round or flatten them slightly into discs, depending on your preference.

Boil the dumplings: In a large pot of salted boiling water, gently drop in the dumplings. Let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the top and become slightly firm to the touch.

Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, drain the dumplings and add them to your soup, stew, or curry. They’ll soak up all the delicious flavors and make your dish extra hearty and satisfying.

Tip: You can also add a bit of butter or oil to the dough for a richer taste, or mix in herbs and spices to give your dumplings extra flavor.

Can You Freeze Cornmeal Dumplings?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze cornmeal dumplings! This is a great way to save time if you want to prepare a large batch and store them for later use.

After cooking:

Let the dumplings cool before placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Cooked dumplings can last in the freezer for up to three months.

Before cooking:

If you prefer to freeze the dumplings before cooking, shape the raw dough into dumplings, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, you can drop the frozen dumplings straight into boiling water.

How Do You Know When Cornmeal Dumplings Are Cooked?

Floating to the top: Once the dumplings float to the top of the pot of boiling water, that’s a good sign that they’re almost done. This usually happens after about 10 minutes of boiling.
Firm texture: Once they float, let them cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. When they’re done, they should feel firm when you press them with a spoon but still tender when you bite into them. If the dumpling feels too soft or mushy, it may need a few more minutes.
Cutting one open: If you’re unsure, you can always take one dumpling out and cut it open to check. The inside should be fully cooked and not doughy.

Conclusion

Cornmeal dumplings are a delicious and versatile addition to Caribbean dishes like soups, stews, and curries. They’re easy to make, have a heartier texture than regular flour dumplings, and add a rich, comforting flavor to any meal.