Discover Jamaican Beef Patties

Jamaican cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, colors, and textures that reflect the island's rich cultural heritage. Known for its bold spices and mouthwatering dishes, Jamaican food is a celebration of the island's history and the fusion of various cultural influences, including African, Indian, Chinese, and British. Among the many delightful offerings from Jamaica, one dish stands out as a beloved street food staple: the Jamaican beef patty. These flaky, golden pastries are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and spices, making them a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Discover Jamaican Beef Patties

Experience the vibrant flavors of Jamaica with these mouthwatering beef patties! This recipe guides you through making flaky pastry dough filled with a spicy and savory ground beef mixture, complemented by scotch bonnet pepper and aromatic spices. Perfect for a snack or a meal, these golden patties are easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy a taste of the Caribbean in every bite!

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Ingredients

For the Pastry Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (for color)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/4 cup ice-cold water

For the Beef Filling:

1 pound ground beef

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

2 teaspoons allspice

1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup beef broth or water

2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

Make the Pastry Dough:

- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and turmeric. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

- Gradually add ice-cold water, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Do not overwork it.

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

Prepare the Beef Filling:

- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.

- Add garlic, scotch bonnet pepper, and ginger; cook for another minute.

- Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned.

- Add allspice, thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth or water and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Add green onions and mix well.

- Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool.

Assemble the Patties:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

- Roll out the pastry dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a bowl to cut out circles, about 5-6 inches in diameter.

- Place a tablespoon of the beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over and seal the edges by crimping with a fork or pressing them with your fingers.

- Place the patties on a lined baking sheet.

Bake the Patties:

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

- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and flaky.

Serve:

- Allow to cool for a few minutes before enjoying. These Jamaican Beef Patties are delicious served with pepper sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Prep Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins | Servings: 10 patties