Recipe Jamaican Beef Patty

Save

Introduction

The Jamaican beef patty is a savory pastry containing a spiced beef filling, a staple food enjoyed across Jamaica and its diaspora. Its distinctive golden crust and flavorful filling make it a popular snack, lunch, or even a quick dinner. The “recipe jamaican beef patty” is not just a meal; it’s a taste of Jamaican culture, widely enjoyed for its convenience, affordability, and satisfying flavors.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp curry powder (for color and flavor)
• 1 tsp turmeric (for color)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 oz cold shortening or lard, cubed
• 6-8 tbsp ice water
• Optional: 2 tbsp butter, cubed (for extra flakiness)

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp thyme leaves
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Possible Substitutions:

• Shortening/lard: Use butter or a combination of butter and shortening.
• Scotch bonnet pepper: Use habanero or another hot pepper, but be mindful of the heat level.
• Ground beef: Ground turkey or plant-based ground meat can be used for a variation.

Preparation Steps

Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, curry powder, turmeric, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold shortening (and butter, if using) using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix. Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to relax the gluten. This ensures a tender crust.

Filling Preparation: While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Scotch bonnet pepper, curry powder, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Add the beef broth or water and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the mixture is slightly thickened. If the filling is too loose, stir in breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the filling cool completely before assembling the patties.

Tip: Preparing the filling a day ahead allows the flavors to meld together even further.

Cooking Instructions

Assembly: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into equal portions (usually 6-8 depending on desired size). On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a circle about 6-8 inches in diameter. Place a generous spoonful of the cooled beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges tightly with a fork to seal. Brush the tops of the patties with a beaten egg or milk for a golden finish. Cut a small slit in the top of each patty to allow steam to escape.

Baking: Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.

Alternative Cooking Method: Jamaican beef patties can also be deep-fried for a crispier crust. Heat vegetable oil to 350F (175C). Deep-fry the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Serving Suggestions

Jamaican beef patties are delicious on their own as a quick and satisfying snack. They can also be served as part of a meal with sides such as:

• Coco bread (a traditional Jamaican bread)
• Coleslaw
• Rice and peas
• A simple green salad

For a more substantial meal, consider pairing the patties with a spicy mango salsa or a creamy avocado dip. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Tips:

• Keep the dough cold throughout the preparation process for a flakier crust.
• Don’t overfill the patties, or they will be difficult to seal.
• Ensure the filling is completely cooled before assembling the patties to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
• Brushing the patties with egg wash or milk will give them a beautiful golden color.
• For a richer flavor, use a combination of beef and oxtail in the filling.

Common Mistakes:

• Overmixing the dough: This can result in a tough crust.
• Using warm shortening: This will prevent the crust from becoming flaky.
• Not sealing the edges properly: The filling may leak out during baking.
• Overbaking the patties: This can result in a dry filling.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Mastering the “recipe jamaican beef patty” is a rewarding culinary journey that unlocks a world of flavor and cultural appreciation. Its unique blend of spices and satisfying texture makes it a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. This versatile recipe can be adapted to suit individual preferences, allowing for creative variations and personalized twists. Embrace the joy of cooking and bring a taste of Jamaica to your home. Discover even more exciting recipes and cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com. Start cooking today!