Beef patties are a treasured treat in Jamaica, often enjoyed as a quick and cheap lunch from one of the islands’s various patty restaurants. Similar to an empanada, Jamaican beef patties are made of seasoned, flavorful beef encased in a delightfully flaky pastry. Now, you can recreate this classic meal in your own kitchen. Bigger patties are great for lunch or dinner, and smaller patties make a tasty appetizer. Get ready to spice up your day with this recipe for Spicy Jamaican Beef Patties.
Recipe: Spicy Jamaican Beef Patties
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp turmeric (for color)
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- A dash of milk
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spice level)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup beef or vegetable stock
Instructions:
For the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, turmeric, curry powder, and salt.
- Add the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, and knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
For the Filling:
- In a skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the breadcrumbs and beef or vegetable stock to bind the mixture together.
- Optional: Add frozen peas for a burst of color and flavor.
Assembly:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut out circles using a large cookie cutter or a bowl.
- Place a 2-3 tablespoons of the beef filling onto each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and milk together to create an egg wash.
- Brush each patty with the egg wash.
- Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.