World Flavors Cookbook

Fried Fish with Festival

Crispy whole fried snapper or grouper with sweet cornmeal festival dumplings — the classic Belizean and Caribbean coast fish plate.

Cuisine: Belize

Ingredients

• 4 whole small snappers or 4 fish fillets
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tsp seasoning salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Oil for frying
• For festival: 200g cornmeal, 50g flour, 50g sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, coconut milk to mix

Instructions

1. Score fish. Rub with lime, salt, and garlic powder.
2. Make festival: mix dry ingredients, add coconut milk to form a soft dough. Shape into small oval dumplings.
3. Deep fry festival dumplings until golden (about 8 minutes).
4. Fry fish in hot oil until crispy, about 5-6 minutes per side.
5. Serve fish with festival, coleslaw, and hot sauce.