Jamaican Meat Patty Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 02, 2025

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Jamaican Meat Patty Recipe: A Taste of the Islands

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant island of Jamaica? This recipe will guide you through making authentic Jamaican meat patties, also known as patties, a savory pastry beloved throughout the Caribbean. These golden, flaky pastries are filled with a succulent spiced beef mixture, creating a delicious handheld treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for the Flaky Pastry Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our perfectly flaky crust.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors of the pastry.
• 1 cup shortening (or lard for extra flakiness): Provides richness and tenderness. You can substitute with vegan butter for a plant-based option.
• ½ cup ice water: Crucial for maintaining the pastry's cool temperature and preventing toughness.

Ingredients for the Savory Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef: The star of our patty filling. You can substitute with ground lamb or a plant-based alternative for variety.
• 1 large onion, finely chopped: Adds depth and sweetness to the filling.
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped (or less, to taste): Provides the signature Jamaican heat. Caution: Handle scotch bonnets with care!
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic depth and savory punch.
• 1 tbsp ground allspice: A quintessential Jamaican spice.
• 1 tbsp ground thyme: Earthy and warm aromatic notes.
• 1 tsp ground black pepper: Essential for balance and complexity.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor profile of the filling.
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce): Adds umami and depth.
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil: For sautéing the onions and beef.

Instructions for Making the Pastry Dough:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in shortening: Add the shortening and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water gradually: Gradually add the ice water, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
4. Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.

Instructions for Making the Savory Beef Filling:

1. Sauté onions and peppers: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and scotch bonnets and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add seasonings: Stir in the garlic, allspice, thyme, black pepper, salt, and soy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
4. Cool the filling: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool completely before assembling the patties.

Assembling and Baking the Jamaican Meat Patties:

1. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
2. Cut out circles: Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles of dough.
3. Fill and seal: Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal.
4. Bake: Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your freshly baked Jamaican meat patties warm. They are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a variety of sides, such as:

• Festival: Fried sweet bread dumplings.
• Fried Plantains: Sweet and savory side dish.
• Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing contrast.

Enjoy your homemade Jamaican meat patties! The aroma alone will transport you to the sunny shores of Jamaica. Remember to share this recipe with your friends and family—it's a taste of paradise they won't soon forget!