How to Make Jamaican Beef Patties (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Title: How to Make Jamaican Beef Patties (A Step-by-Step Guide)

  Jamaican beef patty

Jamaican beef patties are a delicious and popular Caribbean snack or meal. They are made with a flaky pastry dough filled with a savory beef filling. Patties can be eaten on their own, or they can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as rice and beans, fried plantains, or salad.

Ingredients:

• For the pastry dough:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1/4 cup cold water
• For the filling:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup beef broth

Instructions:

1. Make the pastry dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the water, stirring until the dough just comes together.
2. Form the dough into a disk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Make the filling. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook until softened. Stir in the allspice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the filling is thickened.
4. Assemble the patties. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle. Cut the dough into 6 equal circles. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Seal the edges with a fork.
5. Bake the patties. Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Serve and enjoy! Serve the patties hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips:

• For a flaky pastry dough, be sure to use cold ingredients.
• If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
• To prevent the patties from cracking, brush them with an egg wash before baking.
• To make ahead, assemble the patties and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw the patties overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

Enjoy!