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Authentic Jamaican Patties Recipe

Authentic Jamaican Patties Recipe
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Authentic Jamaican Patties are golden, flaky pastries filled with a spicy, savory ground beef mixture seasoned with traditional Jamaican jerk spices and Scotch bonnet peppers. Perfect as a flavorful snack, lunch, or anytime treat, these patties showcase the vibrant tastes and cultural heritage of Jamaica with a tender, crispy crust and richly seasoned filling.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pastry Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
  • 4 tablespoons cold shortening, chilled
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Meat Filling

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pastry Dough: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and turmeric powder for the characteristic golden hue. Cut in chilled butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing gently until a smooth but firm dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Make the Spiced Meat Filling: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper until fragrant and softened. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until thoroughly browned. Season with thyme, allspice, salt, and pepper. Stir in breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture and continue cooking until the mixture thickens and flavors meld. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Roll and Cut the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or bowl to cut out circles about 5 inches in diameter. Gather any scraps and re-roll as needed to maximize dough usage.
  4. Assemble the Patties: Place a generous spoonful of the meat filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly and crimp with a fork or your fingers to seal completely, preventing filling leakage during baking.
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer assembled patties to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash to give a glossy, golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and golden brown.

Notes

  • Keep all ingredients for the pastry dough cold to achieve maximum flakiness in the crust.
  • Handle and mix the dough gently to avoid developing too much gluten, which causes a tough crust.
  • Season the meat filling generously with spices to capture authentic Jamaican flavors.
  • Use fresh Scotch bonnet peppers for true Caribbean heat and aroma; adjust the amount to suit your preferred spiciness.
  • Brushing egg wash on the patties before baking enhances color and helps seal the edges.
  • Leftover patties can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat patties in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispness instead of using a microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jamaican patties, Caribbean snack, flaky pastry, spicy beef patties, jerk seasoning, Scotch bonnet pepper, homemade patties, authentic Jamaican recipe

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/authentic-jamaican-patties-recipe/