Making homemade Jamaican bammy is easier than it looks, and the flavors are unbeatable. From grating fresh cassava to soaking in coconut milk and frying to golden perfection, each step is a little celebration of Jamaican tradition. Serve it with fish, vegetables, or your favorite sides and enjoy a true taste of the Caribbean right at home.
2pounds Cassava (yuca), (about 1 large or 2 medium roots), peeled and finely grated
½tspsalt
1-1½cupsCoconut milk: 1 to 1½ cups(for soaking)
¼-½oil(for frying, as needed)
Instructions
Peel and Grate the Cassava
Start by peeling the cassava and washing it thoroughly. Grate it finely using a box grater or food processor. Or Just blend
Tip: Properly grating the cassava ensures a smooth, even bammy that cooks perfectly.
Squeeze Out the Liquid
Place the grated cassava into a clean cloth or cheesecloth and squeeze very firmly to remove all liquid. This step is crucial to eliminate natural toxins and excess moisture.
Season the Cassava
Add a pinch of salt to the dry cassava and mix well. This is a simple step that makes a big difference in flavor.
Shape the Bammy
Press the cassava into flat discs about ½ inch thick. You can use your hands or a small bowl to form them evenly.
Cook the Bammy
You can either pan-fry or steam your bammy:
Steam: Steam for 15–20 minutes until firm and cooked through. This method keeps it softer and healthier.
Soak in Coconut Milk
Warm some coconut milk and lightly salt it. Soak the cooked bammy for a few minutes, then fry again for extra crispiness. (soak overnight for best results)
Instructions
Instructions for Blending Method
Prepare the Cassava
We start by peeling the cassava, washing it well, and cutting it into small chunks. This makes it easier to blend smoothly.
Blend the Cassava
Add the cassava to a blender with just enough coconut milk, about 3 tbsp, to get it moving. Blend until smooth but not overly watery.
Squeeze Out the Liquid
Transfer the blended cassava to a clean cloth or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly until all excess liquid is removed. This step is essential for the proper texture and safety of the bammy.
Season
Place the squeezed cassava into a bowl and mix in the salt until evenly combined.
Shape the Bammy
Divide the mixture and press it into flat, round discsabout ½ inch thick.
Cook the Bammy
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Steam the bammy for 15–20 minutes if you prefer a softer texture.
Soak in Coconut Milk
Warm the coconut milk and lightly season if desired. Soak the cooked bammy for a few minutes until softened and infused with flavor. (soak overnight for best results)
Final Fry
For a crisp finish, lightly fry the soaked bammy again until golden on the outside.
Serve
Serve warm with fried fish-style vegan sides, escovitch vegetables, callaloo, or your favorite Jamaican-inspired dishes.