Homemade Jamaican Patties:Flaky Crust & Spicy Filling

ground beef

🥗Healthier: lean turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Lean turkey reduces fat content while ground pork is often cheaper.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while cornmeal can be more affordable.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative, while margarine is often less expensive.

scotch bonnet pepper

🥗Healthier: jalapeño

💰Cheaper: bell pepper

Jalapeño provides heat with fewer calories, while bell pepper is more accessible.

Start by making the crust for the patties.

In a mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1.5 teaspoons of salt.

Cut in 0.5 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of shortening using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add 1 cup or 1.25 cups of cold water to form a dough, mixing until it comes together. Add more water as needed.

Shape the dough into a round ball, place it on a floured plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

For the filling, heat a pan with some oil and add 1 pound of ground beef, cooking and breaking it up until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Make a clearing in the center of the pan and add 1 chopped onion and 1 tablespoon of ghee or vegetable oil, allowing the onion to soften.

Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 chopped jalapeno pepper, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of allspice, salt, black pepper, and stir everything together.

Add 2 cups of breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, browning sauce, and ketchup, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer until half the liquid is reduced and it forms a thick sauce. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

After 30 minutes, remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it for easier rolling.

Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut out circles using a 4-inch cutter.

Place about 2 tablespoons of filling on one side of each circle, fold it over, and seal the edges with fingers and a fork.

If the edges don't seal, dab a little water to help them stick together, then press with a fork around the edges to ensure they are sealed.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (about 170°C) and brush the tops of the patties with egg wash.

Bake the patties for about 30-35 minutes until they start to brown.

Adjust the heat of the filling with cayenne pepper to taste, adding about half a teaspoon for extra heat.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens