Discover Jamaican Beef Patties

Jamaican cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, colors, and traditions, deeply rooted in the island's diverse cultural heritage. A melting pot of influences from Indigenous Taino, African, Indian, Chinese, and European communities, Jamaican food reflects a rich history that tells the story of its people. Among the numerous culinary delights that Jamaica offers, one dish stands out as a beloved snack and meal option: the Jamaican beef patty. These golden, flaky pastries filled with spiced ground beef have become an emblem of Jamaican street food culture.

Discover Jamaican Beef Patties

Savor the taste of the Caribbean with homemade Jamaican Beef Patties! This recipe combines a flaky, golden pastry filled with a savory blend of ground beef, spices, and a hint of scotch bonnet heat. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these delicious patties are sure to impress. Ideal for snacks, appetizers, or a hearty meal! Dive into this flavorful cooking adventure and bring a bit of Jamaican flair to your kitchen today.

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Ingredients

For the Pastry:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon turmeric powder (for color)

½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

½ cup cold vegetable shortening

6 to 8 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling:

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

1 teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (or to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup beef broth (or water)

2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Pastry:

- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and turmeric powder. Mix well.

- Add the cold cubed butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

- Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until a dough forms. (You may not need all of the water.)

- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Filling:

- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.

- Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

- Stir in the thyme, allspice, paprika, chopped scotch bonnet, salt, and pepper. Then, add the beef broth to moisten the mixture. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until well combined. Stir in the green onions.

- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

Assemble the Patties:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thick.

- Cut out circles (about 5-6 inches in diameter) using a round cutter or plate.

- Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by crimping with a fork or pinching with your fingers.

- Place patties on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Patties:

- Brush the tops of the patties with a beaten egg for a golden finish (optional).

- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve:

- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, with your favorite dipping sauce or traditional hot sauce!

Prep Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 12 patties