Indulge in the rich and aromatic Jamaican Beef Patties, a culinary masterpiece that combines the heritage of Cornish pastries with the vibrant spices of Jamaica. These savory delights feature a tender and flavorful beef filling infused with scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and thyme, all encased in a golden, perfectly baked pastry crust. A true fusion of cultures and tastes, ready to transport your taste buds on a delicious journey.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 0.5 red pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero chile, stemmed, seeded, and minced (wear gloves!)
- 2 tablespoons curry powder, preferably Jamaican
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1.5 teaspoons dried thyme
- 0.75 teaspoon ground allspice, preferably Jamaican
- 680 grams ground beef
- 0.5 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
- 0.75 cup beef or chicken broth, or water
Dough:
- 450 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground annatto or ground turmeric
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (if using annatto)
- 1.5 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 170 g chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 75 g chilled white vegetable fat / shortening, cut into small pieces
- 225 g ice water (or as much as needed)
- 1 egg, beaten, with a splash of water
Directions
For the Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and scotch bonnet peppers until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in thyme, allspice, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
For the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and cubed butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Knead gently until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Assembly and Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut out circles (approximately 5-6 inches in diameter) from the dough.
- Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling onto one half of each dough circle.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges of the patties.
- Place the assembled patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the patties are golden brown and crisp.
Jamaican beef patties have a captivating history that intertwines with the British pasty tradition. As far back as the 17th century, British settlers introduced the concept of savory pastries to Jamaica, notably the Cornish pasty. These handheld pies, originally crafted for miners and laborers, made their way to the Caribbean, where they melded with local ingredients and culinary techniques to create a unique and flavorful masterpiece.
The resemblance between Jamaican beef patties and Cornish pasties is more than just visual. Both recipes feature a flaky, golden crust that cradles a hearty and spiced filling. While the Cornish pasty traditionally contained meat and vegetables, Jamaican beef patties embraced the island’s love for vibrant spices, incorporating scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and thyme to create a distinctive flavor profile that pays homage to its heritage.
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