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Jamaican Vegetable Patties

Jamaican Vegetable Patties

Jamaican Vegetable Patties are a vibrant and flavorful vegetarian snack featuring a spicy, savory vegetable filling enveloped in a flaky, golden crust. This recipe captures the authentic bold taste of Jamaican patties using simple pantry staples and aromatic Caribbean spices, perfect for a quick lunch, appetizer, or comfort food at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chilled butter or margarine
  • 1/2 cup cold water (adjust as needed)

Vegetable Filling

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (use sparingly)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Finishing

  • 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
  • Butter or plant-based milk for egg wash alternative (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour with chilled butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water and knead lightly to form a smooth dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to make handling easier and ensure a flaky crust.
  2. Cook the Filling: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and translucent. Add diced carrots, bell peppers, and Scotch bonnet pepper, cooking until the vegetables are tender. Stir in thyme, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix in breadcrumbs or cornstarch and vegetable broth to bind the filling. Cook until the mixture thickens and most moisture evaporates. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
  3. Assemble the Patties: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut dough into circles or ovals using a cookie cutter or bowl. Place a generous spoonful of the cooled vegetable filling onto one half of each dough piece. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal tightly, preventing leakage during baking.
  4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg wash for a shiny finish, or use melted butter or plant-based milk as an alternative. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown. Let patties cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Keep the dough chilled to help achieve the classic flaky texture of Jamaican patties.
  • Do not overfill the patties; too much filling may cause difficulty sealing and bursting during baking.
  • Use fresh thyme and freshly ground allspice to enhance the flavor of the filling.
  • Adjust the Scotch bonnet pepper carefully to control the heat level according to your spice tolerance.
  • For an egg-free option, brush patties with melted butter or plant-based milk instead of egg wash for color.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jamaican vegetable patties, vegetarian patties, Caribbean snack, spicy patties, homemade Jamaican patties