Description
Jamaican Beef Patties are savory and flaky pastries filled with a spicy ground beef mixture, seasoned with traditional Caribbean spices. These delicious hand pies are perfect as a main course or snack, offering a flavorful taste of Jamaica’s culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
For the pastry:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
For the egg wash:
- 1 egg (beaten)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, turmeric, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water and mix until the dough forms. Divide into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the filling: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green onions, and minced garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in thyme, curry powder, allspice, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Add breadcrumbs and beef broth, then simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture is thick but moist. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the patties: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough and cut into 6-inch circles. Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold over to create a half-moon shape and press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Brush the tops of each patty with the beaten egg to create a golden finish. Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- For extra heat and authentic flavor, add chopped Scotch bonnet pepper to the filling.
- Patties can be made in advance and frozen before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
- Use cold butter and ice water to ensure a flaky, tender pastry crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
