Jamaican Patties
Cuisine: Caribbean Type: Entree
Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Ground Beef
1 pound (454)
Onion
1 medium (110)
Scotch Bonnet Pepper
1 pepper (25)
Garlic
2 cloves (6)
Thyme
1 teaspoon (2)
Curry Powder
2 teaspoons (6)
Turmeric
1 teaspoon (2)
Allspice
1 teaspoon (2)
Salt
1 teaspoon (6)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (2)
Butter
4 tablespoons (57)
Water
1 cup (240)
Flour
2 cups (240)
Turmeric Powder (For Dough)
1 teaspoon (2)
Salt (For Dough)
1 teaspoon (6)
Cold Water (For Dough)
1 cup (240)
Totals
49 oz
(1,400 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Ground Beef
250
Onion
40
Scotch Bonnet Pepper
10
Garlic
5
Thyme
2
Curry Powder
10
Paprika
5
All Purpose Flour
120
Turmeric
5
Butter
100
Water
0
Salt
0
Black Pepper
0
Vegetable Oil
120
Totals
667 kcal
Steps
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, turmeric, curry powder, salt, and sugar.
Step 2: Cut cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Gradually add ice water to the mixture, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a few minutes until it becomes smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 5: While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced onion, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper (optional) and sauté until onions are translucent.
Step 6: Add ground beef or your choice of protein to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in curry powder, thyme, paprika, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Add breadcrumbs, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until the liquid has reduced. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step 8: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 9: Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough.
Step 10: Place a spoonful of the cooled filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over the filling and seal the edges by pressing them together with your fingers or using a fork.
Step 11: Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Step 12: Bake the patties in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Step 13: Once baked, remove the patties from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 14: Jamaican patties can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course. Serve them warm and pair with your favorite sauce or chutney. Enjoy!
Substitutions
Substitutes for Jamaican Patties in Caribbean cuisine:
1. For the pastry dough:
- All-purpose flour: Substitute with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend.
- Butter: Substitute with margarine or vegetable shortening in equal quantities.
- Turmeric: Substitute with curry powder for a similar color and flavor.
2. For the filling:
- Ground beef: Substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or lamb.
- Onion: Substitute with shallots or leeks for a milder flavor.
- Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder or granulated garlic.
- Scotch bonnet pepper: Substitute with habanero pepper or cayenne pepper to adjust the heat level.
- Thyme: Substitute with dried oregano or marjoram.
- Allspice: Substitute with a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in equal parts.
- Beef stock: Substitute with vegetable or chicken stock for a different flavor profile.
- Breadcrumbs: Substitute with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs.
3. Adjustments in preparation:
- When using gluten-free flour, the dough may require additional liquid or binding agents.
- Vegetable shortening or margarine may result in a slightly different texture compared to butter.
- Adjust the amount of pepper used based on personal preference for spiciness.
- Different meats may require slight adjustments in cooking time to ensure thorough cooking.
- Vegetable or chicken stock may impart a different flavor compared to beef stock.
- Crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs may have a slightly different texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
Note: The quantities required for each substitute ingredient will depend on the original recipe.
Pairings
- Jerk chicken
- Rice and peas
- Fried plantains
- Callaloo
- Curry goat
- Coleslaw
- Mango salsa
- Jamaican rum punch
- Sorrel drink
- Ginger beer
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Serve Jamaican patties on a bed of fresh lettuce or microgreens for a vibrant and appetizing look.
- Garnish with a drizzle of colorful sauces like mango or tamarind chutney for an added visual appeal.
- Use a pastry brush to lightly glaze the patties with an egg wash before baking to give them a golden and glossy finish.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a touch of coconut milk to the pastry dough for a subtle tropical flavor and a softer, more tender texture.
- Incorporate finely diced bell peppers or scotch bonnet peppers into the filling for a burst of heat and added crunch.
- Mix in some fresh herbs like cilantro or thyme to enhance the overall flavor and aroma.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace traditional ground meat with succulent chunks of lobster or shrimp for a more indulgent and luxurious filling.
- Introduce exotic spices like saffron or curry powder to the filling for a sophisticated and complex flavor profile.
- Include a small amount of finely chopped truffle or truffle oil in the filling to add a luxurious and earthy note.
Remember to experiment with these enhancements while keeping the essence of Jamaican patties intact. Enjoy your next-level dining experience!
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean ground meat or poultry instead of fatty cuts to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace refined flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added seasonings to reduce sodium intake.
- Incorporate more vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers, to increase fiber and nutrient content.
- Use healthier cooking methods like baking or grilling instead of deep-frying to reduce the overall fat content.
- Consider using plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Reduce or eliminate the use of added sugars or sweeteners in the filling or dough.
- Offer a smaller portion size or make mini-patties to control calorie intake.
- Provide options for different spice levels to accommodate individuals with a preference for milder flavors.
- Offer a gluten-free or low-carb crust option using almond flour or cauliflower crust for those following specific diets.
Healthy Choices
- Use whole wheat flour instead of white flour for the pastry dough to increase fiber content.
- Incorporate lean protein options such as ground turkey or chicken instead of fatty meats like beef or lamb.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the filling, such as adding more carrots, peas, and bell peppers for added nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of salt in the filling by using herbs and spices to enhance flavor instead.
- Use healthier cooking methods like baking or grilling the patties instead of deep frying to reduce added fats.
- Consider using healthier fats, such as olive oil or avocado oil, instead of butter or vegetable shortening in the pastry dough.
- Opt for low-sodium or homemade vegetable broth instead of using bouillon cubes or high-sodium stocks.
- Add a touch of heat and flavor with natural spices like cayenne pepper or ginger instead of relying on excessive amounts of salt or artificial seasonings.
- Serve the patties with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to increase the overall nutritional value of the meal.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-made pastry dough or store-bought puff pastry instead of making your own from scratch.
2. Opt for ground beef or chicken instead of more expensive meats like lamb or shrimp.
3. Prepare a larger batch and freeze the uncooked patties for future use.
4. Skip the traditional flaky crust and make open-faced patties using sliced bread as a base.
5. Replace time-consuming homemade fillings with pre-made Jamaican patty filling mixes available in stores.
6. Cook patties in a convection oven or air fryer for faster and more efficient cooking.
7. Use a food processor to quickly chop onions, garlic, and other ingredients for the filling.
8. Consider using a pre-made Jamaican jerk seasoning blend instead of making your own spice mixture.
9. Skip the traditional crimping technique and fold the pastry over the filling to create turnovers for quicker assembly.
10. Opt for smaller-sized patties to reduce cooking time and stretch the ingredients further.