Jamaican Beef Patties
Jamaican beef patties are a beloved Caribbean snack, featuring a flaky, golden crust filled with a spicy, savory beef mixture. Here's a recipe to make approximately 4 servings:
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl For combining ingredients for both the dough and the beef filling.
- Skillet/Frying Pan For cooking the beef filling.
- 1 Rolling Pin To roll out the dough into flat circles.
- 1 Baking Sheet To bake the patties in the oven.
- 1 Fork To crimp and seal the edges of the patties.
- 1 Pastry Brush For brushing the patties with beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For measuring the ingredients accurately.
- 1 Knife To chop and mince vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour For making the pastry dough.
- 1½ teaspoons Curry powder Adds flavor and color to the pas
- 1 pinch Salt For seasoning the pastry.
- ¼ cup Butter or margarine Used to make the pastry flaky.
- ¼ cup Shortening Helps to achieve a tender, flaky crust.
- ⅓ cup Cold water For bringing the dough together.
- 2 tablespoons Butter For cooking the beef filling.
- 1 pound Ground beef The main protein for the filling.
- 1 small Onion, finely diced Adds sweetness and flavor to the filling.
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, minced Adds heat and spice to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon Curry powder Seasoning for the beef filling.
- 1 teaspoon Allspice Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon Ground cloves A subtle spice for the filling.
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme Herb for flavor in the filling.
- 1 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper Adds flavor and a bit of spice.
- 1 pinch Salt To season the beef mixture.
- 1 cube Beef bouillon cube Enhances the beef flavor.
- ½ cup Water To simmer the beef filling.
- 2 tablespoons Browning seasoning sauce Adds color and deepens the flavor.
- 1 Bay leaf Adds flavor to the filling (remove before serving).
- 1 cup Dry bread crumbs Helps thicken the filling and absorb excess moisture.
- 1 Egg, beaten For brushing over the patties before baking.
Instructions
Prepare the Pastry:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, curry powder, and salt.
- Cut in the butter and shortening using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough begins to form.
- Shape the dough into a log, cut it into 10 equal pieces, and roll each piece into a ball.
- Flatten each ball into a circle about 6 inches in diameter on a lightly floured surface. Set aside.
Make the Filling:
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking up the beef as it cooks.
- Stir in curry powder, allspice, ground cloves, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Crumble the beef bouillon cube into the mixture, add water, and stir in browning seasoning sauce.
- Add the bay leaf and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove the skillet from heat, discard the bay leaf, and stir in the bread crumbs. Let the filling cool.
Assemble the Patties:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Take each pastry circle and place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling in the center of the circle.
- Fold the pastry over to cover the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.
- Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops of the patties with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish when baked.
Bake the Patties:
- Bake the patties in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
- Remove the patties from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
-
Adjusting Spice Level:
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper or substitute it with a milder chili pepper, like jalapeño, or even omit it entirely. -
Vegetarian Option:
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with vegetarian meat substitutes (such as textured vegetable protein or crumbled tofu) and ensure the filling is well-seasoned. -
Baking Alternative:
While baking is the traditional method, you can also deep-fry the patties for a crispy exterior. Just heat oil in a deep frying pan and cook until golden brown. -
Freezing for Later:
You can prepare and freeze the assembled patties before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet and freeze them individually. Once frozen, store them in a freezer bag or airtight container. To bake, simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time. -
Pastry Tips:
For a flakier pastry, ensure that your butter and shortening are cold when incorporating them into the flour mixture. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out. -
Serving Suggestions:
Jamaican beef patties are often served as a snack or appetizer but can also be paired with a side salad or dipping sauce like mango chutney for a complete meal.