Today is Emancipation Day in Jamaica, it is the day to commemorate the victory of slaves who struggled for freedom. In a few days, on August 6th, it is Jamaica’s Independence Day, which celebrates the day Jamaica became an independent State and therefore no longer a British colony in 1962. I doubt many people will think deeply about our forefathers who fought for a better Jamaica, instead there is a focus on partying all the way through the national holidays making this weekend one of the best times to visit Jamaica if the sound of all-inclusive parties interests you, where food and liquor is never ending!
Beef Patties
I think Jamaican Patties are probably our second most famous food, after jerk, or maybe that is oxtail; but the point is everyone has heard of a Jamaican Patty and if you haven’t it’s about time you did. It is only fitting that I feature a popular Jamaican food on TYT.com this week so that you can feel the spirit of Jamaica right at home, wherever you are.
Jamaican Beef Patty
For me the most important component of a patty is the pastry, it needs to be flaky and thin yet unforgettable, even though it is in the background gently encapsulating the meaty goodness. I have seen patties abroad that are bright yellow and have dense thick crusts, these are NOT Jamaican patties even though the labels will tell you how authentic they are. Try this recipe to get as close to the real thing as you can.
Jamaican Beef Patty
Start things off with the dough. Mix all the ingredients for the dough except the water. Gradually add the cold water and mix in until a dough forms. Wrap in clingfilm and pop in the fridge.
Making the dough for patties
Ball of dough for Jamaican Patties
Then it’s time for the filling.
Cook beef for patties
Remove dough from fridge and bring to room temperature then cut into eight even pieces. Take each one by one rolling on a floured surface until they are round of 2-3mm thick.
Cut dough for patties
Finally, place 2-3 tablespoons of the meat filling in the centre of each of your dough circles. Moisten the edges of the circles with a little water and fold in half sealing the edges with the back of a fork to give them a nice crinkled edge.
Fill beef patties
Raw patty
Brush the tops of the patties with the egg wash mixture and then pop in the preheated oven for 30 mins or until golden.
Egg wash
Let the patties rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooked patties
Jamaican beef patty
Live, Love, Eat!
April x
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1/2 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter
- 1/3 cup ice cold water
- 1 small white onion, finely chopped
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper chopped finely
- 600 g minced beef
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice berries
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef stock
- 1 tablespoon Bisto Beef Gravy granules
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 egg, beaten with a drop of milk
- Oil for frying
- Mix together the flour, curry powder, and salt in a large bowl and then rub in the butter with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add the cold water and mix in until a dough forms. Wrap in clingfilm and pop in the fridge.
- In a saucepan soften the onion and scotch bonnet over medium heat then add the minced beef and fry until browned all over at which point you will incorporate all your spices. Add the beef stock and simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasional until the sauce has thickened. Finally sprinkle the gravy granules and stir well to all absorbed and set aside to cool.
- Remove dough from fridge and bring to room temperature then cut into eight even pieces. Take each one by one rolling on a floured surface until they are round of 2-3mm thick. If you prefer, you can roll the entire batch at the same time and cut out your circles.
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
- Finally, place 2-3 tablespoons of the meat filling in the centre of each of your dough circles. Moisten the edges of the circles with a little water and fold in half sealing the edges with the back of a fork to give them a nice crinkled edge.
- Brush the tops of the patties with the egg wash mixture and then pop in the preheated oven for 30 mins or until golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- If you do not eat beef you can experiment with curried chicken or vegetables for filling.
i love these patties and also the different fillings that are in them if u want something to fit your mood
What’s your fav? I could devour a lobster patty right now! 🙂