Jamaican Beef Patty Recipe: The Perfect Blend of Spices and Flavors
If you’re an avid lover of Caribbean cuisine, then you must have tasted the mouthwatering Jamaican beef patty at some point. These savory pastries are a true delight, bursting with rich flavors and a spicy kick. The traditional recipe calls for frying the patties, but today we will take a healthier approach by baking them instead. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as we explore the steps to make a delicious baked Jamaican beef patty.
Gathering the Ingredients
To kickstart this culinary adventure, let’s gather all the ingredients required to create these delectable Jamaican beef patties. You will need the following:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon of curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup of ice water
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 lb of ground beef
– 1 teaspoon of thyme leaves
– 1/2 teaspoon of allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
– 1 cup of beef broth
– 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
– Salt, to taste
Preparing the Dough
To begin this baking adventure, we need to prepare the dough for the Jamaican beef patties. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, turmeric powder, curry powder, paprika, baking powder, and salt. Mix them well until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Next, add the cubed cold butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, gently rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial, as the butter creates a flaky and tender pastry.
Now, slowly drizzle in the ice water while gently stirring the mixture with a fork. Continue mixing until the dough comes together. If needed, add a little more water, but be cautious not to make the dough too sticky.
Once the dough is well-formed, transfer it to a clean, floured surface and knead it for a couple of minutes until it becomes smooth. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Making the Spiced Beef Filling
While the dough is resting, it’s time to prepare the spiced beef filling for your patties. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they turn translucent and begin to soften.
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is browned. Make sure to break up any lumps using a wooden spoon or spatula. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the pan.
Next, add the thyme leaves, allspice, black pepper, cayenne pepper, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes over low heat until the flavors intensify and the liquid reduces. Season with salt to taste.
Assembling and Baking the Patties
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Now it’s time to assemble the Jamaican beef patties. Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough.
Place a spoonful of the spiced beef filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together firmly, creating a seal.
Repeat this process until all your dough circles are filled and sealed. Arrange the patties on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
Brush the tops of the patties with an egg wash, made by beating an egg with a tablespoon of water. This will give the patties a beautiful golden color.
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the patties for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
A Culinary Delight Like No Other
Once the patties are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These Jamaican beef patties are perfect as either a main course or a tasty snack.
As you bite into the crispy golden pastry, you will be met with a burst of flavors from the spiced beef filling. The blend of curry, thyme, and allspice will transport you to the colorful streets of Jamaica. The slight heat from the cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of spice to tickle your taste buds.
So, gather the ingredients, let your creativity flow, and enjoy the satisfying and flavorful journey that comes with creating your own baked Jamaican beef patties. Your kitchen will be filled with authentic Caribbean aromas, and your taste buds will thank you for this culinary adventure!
*Source www.tastingtable.com
