Sint Maarten Johnny Cakes is a traditional Sint Maarten recipe for a classic accompaniment or breakfast dish of fried yeasted bread dough. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Sint Maarten version of: Sint Maarten Johnny Cakes.
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Johnny Cakes, are also called Journey Cakes (as they were breads that would keep on a long voyage) by the Saint-Martinois. Legend has it that this dish, mainly served for breakfast, was prepared by women before their husbands woke up. The husband could enjoy it in the morning before going to work full of energy. Easy to prepare, these cakes are now a dish that can also be enjoyed during the day because they are easy to find in the Lolos of Grand Case or in the food trucks that park along with the Jean Louis Vanterpool stadium in Marigot.
Ingredients:
300g plain flour
2 tsp active, dried yeast
pinch of salt
1 tsp granulated sugar
80ml water
oil for deep frying
Method:
Sift together the flour, yeast and salt into a bowl. Whisk in the sugar then gradually add the water, still mixing until the ingredients come together as a dough. Continue kneading the dough until smooth, elastic and no longer sticky.
Roll in a little flour then shape into a ball, place in a bowl, cover and allow to prove for 40 minutes.
At the end of this time, knock the dough back, turn out onto a floured work surface and roll into a thick rope.
Using a sharp, oiled, knife divide into 12 equal-sized pieces. Flatten these well and make two cuts in the middle (see image).
Heat oil in a deep fryer, wok or large saucepan to 180C. When the oil is hot drop in the Johnny cakes a few at a time and fry, turning until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).
Once cooked, remove with a slotted spoon or spider and drain on kitchen paper as you cook the next batch.
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