Jamaican Patty Recipe Beef
Introduction
The Jamaican beef patty is a savory pastry filled with seasoned ground beef, originating from Jamaica. Its flaky, golden crust and spicy, flavorful filling have made it a popular street food and a beloved dish worldwide. The accessibility of ingredients and relatively straightforward cooking process contribute to its widespread appeal among home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
For the Filling: Ground beef (approximately 1 pound); Onion (1 medium, chopped); Scotch bonnet pepper (1/2, finely chopped use caution and adjust to taste); Garlic (2 cloves, minced); Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried); Curry powder (2 tablespoons); Allspice (1 teaspoon); Beef bouillon cube (1); Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons); Water (1/2 cup); Salt and pepper to taste. For the Crust: All-purpose flour (3 cups); Shortening (1 cup, chilled); Butter (1/2 cup, chilled and cubed); Turmeric powder (1 teaspoon, for color); Baking powder (1 teaspoon); Salt (1/2 teaspoon); Ice water (approximately 3/4 cup). Possible substitutions include using pre-made pastry dough to save time, or swapping ground turkey or chicken for beef. For a milder flavor, use a milder chili pepper instead of scotch bonnet.
Preparation Steps
Begin by preparing the filling. Ensure the ground beef is thawed. Finely chop the onion and scotch bonnet pepper. Mince the garlic. For the crust, chill the shortening and butter thoroughly; this ensures a flaky pastry. Pre-measuring the spices and having all ingredients readily available streamlines the cooking process. A key to authentic flavor is using high-quality curry powder and fresh herbs when available. If using a whole scotch bonnet pepper, handle with gloves and avoid touching your eyes.
Cooking Instructions
Making the Filling: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and saut until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and scotch bonnet pepper and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in curry powder, thyme, allspice, beef bouillon, salt, and pepper. Add water, bring to a simmer, and cook until the liquid has reduced and the mixture is thickened, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. Making the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, turmeric powder, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the chilled shortening and butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Assembling and Baking: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a bowl (about 5-6 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling in the center of each circle. Moisten the edges of the dough with water. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. For a browner crust, consider brushing the patties with an egg wash (beaten egg with a little water) before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Jamaican beef patties are delicious on their own as a snack or light meal. They can also be served with coco bread, a traditional Jamaican bread, to create a “patty sandwich.” Popular side dishes include coleslaw, rice and peas (rice cooked with coconut milk and kidney beans), and plantains. Garnishing with a sprig of thyme or a sprinkle of paprika adds visual appeal. The patties are also great with a dollop of mango chutney or a side of spicy mayo.
Tips and Common Mistakes
For a flakier crust, ensure the shortening and butter are very cold. Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can result in a tough crust. Allowing the filling to cool completely before assembling prevents the dough from becoming soggy. When sealing the patties, ensure the edges are tightly crimped to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Overbaking can lead to a dry crust, so monitor the patties closely during the last few minutes of baking. Underbaking will make the dough soft and gummy. Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper according to personal preference for spice level. Some individuals find the scotch bonnet to be too spicy, even in small quantities. Starting with a smaller amount and adding more to taste during the filling preparation can prevent overwhelming heat.
Explore More Cooking Guides
Learning to make Jamaican beef patties provides a delicious taste of Caribbean cuisine. The combination of savory, spicy beef filling and flaky, buttery crust is a truly satisfying culinary experience. The recipe is adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs, allowing for customization with various fillings and crust options. Try this authentic recipe at home to impress family and friends with a flavorful and unique dish. Explore more exciting cooking guides and delicious recipes at foodrecipestory.com!
