Are you ready for a culinary journey to the vibrant island of Jamaica? Today, we're making authentic Jamaican patties, perfect for a Groundation Day celebration or any day you crave a delicious and satisfying meal. These savory pastries are packed with flavorful spiced meat, encased in a flaky, golden-brown crust – a true taste of home, wherever you are! This easy recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike, offering a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and undeniably delicious. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Patty Crust:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup shortening (vegetable or lard, for a richer flavor)
- ½ cup ice water (approximately, add more as needed)
For the Spicy Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped (or less, to taste – remove seeds for less heat!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground allspice
- 1 tbsp ground thyme
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Instructions:
Making the Patty Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Savory Filling:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, scotch bonnet peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the allspice, thyme, ginger, nutmeg, black pepper, salt, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assembling and Baking the Patties:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
- Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
- Place a spoonful of the seasoned beef filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, crimping the edges with a fork to seal.
- Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the patties are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Tips and Variations:
- For a vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with seasoned vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes.
- Adjust the spice level: Reduce or increase the amount of scotch bonnet pepper according to your preference. Remember, you can always add more heat, but you can't take it away!
- Make it ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days. The filling can also be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Freeze for later: Assembled patties can be frozen before baking. Bake from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information (per patty, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
Enjoy your homemade Jamaican patties! They're perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, a delicious snack, or a delightful addition to your Groundation Day celebrations. This recipe offers a simple yet flavorful approach to homemade cooking, bringing a taste of Jamaica right to your kitchen. Happy cooking!