Description
Jamaican Beef Patties are a flavorful and savory pastry filled with seasoned ground beef, incorporating traditional Caribbean spices. These patties feature a flaky, golden crust colored with turmeric for an authentic look and a rich, spicy filling cooked with Scotch bonnet peppers, curry powder, and allspice. Baked until crispy, they make a perfect snack or meal for fans of bold, Caribbean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening, cubed
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup ice-cold water
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 beaten egg (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and turmeric until evenly combined. Cut in the cold butter and vegetable shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice-cold water gradually, mixing just until the dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Cook the Filling: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned all over.
- Season the Filling: Stir in the dried thyme, curry powder, allspice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth or water and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the mixture thickens.
- Finish the Filling: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the breadcrumbs and chopped green onions. Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling the patties.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Roll and Shape Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a 6-inch round cutter or a bowl, cut out circles from the dough.
- Assemble Patties: Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the cooled beef filling on one half of each dough circle. Brush the edges of the dough with water to help seal, fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.
- Optional Egg Wash: For a golden, shiny crust, brush the tops of the patties lightly with beaten egg before baking.
- Bake Patties: Place the assembled patties on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and flaky. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer less heat, omit the Scotch bonnet pepper from the filling.
- Be sure to keep the butter and shortening cold for a tender, flaky crust.
- The filling must cool completely before assembling to avoid soggy dough.
- You can freeze baked patties and reheat in the oven for a quick snack later.
- Brush patties with beaten egg for a glossy finish, or skip for a more rustic look.
- Use beef broth or water depending on available ingredients and preference; broth adds more flavor.
