Jamaican Beef Patties

Jamaican Beef Patties Recipe - A Flavorful Fusion of France & Jamaica

Region / culture: France, Jamaica | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Jamaican Beef Patties are a popular and delicious savory pastry filled with seasoned ground beef. These flaky and flavorful patties are a staple in Jamaican cuisine and are enjoyed by many around the world.

History

Jamaican Beef Patties have roots in both Jamaican and British culinary traditions. The pastry crust is similar to a British meat pie, while the spicy and flavorful beef filling is distinctly Jamaican. This fusion of flavors and techniques has made Jamaican Beef Patties a beloved dish that is enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) ground beef
0.5 tsp accent
8 sprigs of thyme
2 oz (57 g) escallion
2 small hot peppers
1 tsp paprika
half a loaf french bread
1 tsp salt

How to prepare

Grind the escallion and hot peppers using a mincing mill.
Add the ground beef and salt to the minced escallion and hot peppers.
Place the meat in a saucepan and create a well in the center. Add 4 sprigs of thyme into the well.
Cook the meat without adding any water or fat until it has released its broth and only a certain amount of oil remains.
Pour off any excess oil and strain it into the paprika, which will be used later to color the meat.
While the meat is cooking, pour enough cold water over the bread in a separate saucepan to cover it. Let it soak for a few minutes, then squeeze out the water, saving it for later.
Pass the bread through the mincing mill and return it to the saucepan with the ground bread water and 4 sprigs of thyme. Cook until the bread is dry.
Combine the cooked bread with the meat mixture.
Add the paprika, in a sufficient quantity to color the meat according to taste.
Cook the mixture together for an additional 20 minutes. Add Accent seasoning.
Remove from heat and allow it to cool before using it as a filling for pastry circles.

Variations

For a spicier filling, add more hot peppers or a dash of hot sauce.
Add diced vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or peas to the beef filling for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the beef filling until it has released its broth and only a certain amount of oil remains. This will ensure that the filling is flavorful and not too greasy.

- Adding paprika to the meat mixture will give it a rich color and depth of flavor.

- Allow the filling to cool before using it as a filling for the pastry circles to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Jamaican Beef Patties are delicious on their own as a snack or appetizer. They can also be served with a side salad or coleslaw for a more substantial meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a mincing mill to grind the escallion, hot peppers, and bread for a smooth and uniform texture.

- Cook the beef filling slowly and without adding water or fat to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find escallion, you can use green onions as a substitute.

- If you don't have hot peppers, you can use a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to use, simply reheat the filling and assemble the patties.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Jamaican Beef Patties on a platter with a garnish of fresh thyme or parsley for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve them in individual pastry cups for a more elegant look.

Pairing Recommendations

Jamaican Beef Patties pair well with a cold beer or a fruity tropical drink. They also go well with a side of rice and beans or fried plantains.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Jamaican Beef Patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the patties in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Jamaican Beef Patties contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Jamaican Beef Patties contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Jamaican Beef Patties contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Jamaican Beef Patties contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Jamaican Beef Patties are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

Jamaican Beef Patties contain wheat and may contain traces of soy.

Summary

Jamaican Beef Patties are a balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are also rich in iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Summary

Jamaican Beef Patties are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the best of Jamaican and British culinary traditions. With a flaky pastry crust and a spicy beef filling, these patties are sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or main course for a taste of the Caribbean at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Jamaican Beef Patties. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a Jamaican woman with a passion for cooking, and she was always eager to share her culinary secrets with me.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of spices and herbs. Maria was bustling around the stove, stirring a fragrant mixture of seasoned ground beef, onions, garlic, and peppers. The sizzle of the meat in the pan filled the air, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation.

"What are you making, Maria?" I asked, peering over her shoulder.

"These are Jamaican Beef Patties," she replied with a smile. "A traditional dish from my homeland. Would you like to learn how to make them?"

I eagerly nodded, and Maria began to show me the process. She explained that the key to a delicious Jamaican Beef Patty was in the seasoning – a blend of curry powder, thyme, allspice, and Scotch bonnet peppers that gave the dish its signature spicy-sweet flavor.

As Maria guided me through the steps, I watched in awe as she expertly folded the seasoned meat mixture into flaky, golden pastry dough. She then showed me how to crimp the edges of the patties with a fork, sealing in the savory filling.

After a brief stint in the oven, the Jamaican Beef Patties emerged piping hot and golden brown. Maria placed a steaming patty onto a plate and handed it to me.

"Go on, take a bite," she urged.

I eagerly sank my teeth into the flaky crust, and my taste buds exploded with the rich, savory flavors of the spiced beef filling. The combination of tender meat, aromatic spices, and buttery pastry was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I was hooked.

From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe for Jamaican Beef Patties. I spent countless hours in my own kitchen, experimenting with different spice blends and pastry doughs until I finally found the perfect combination.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations. I learned to adjust the level of heat by tweaking the amount of Scotch bonnet peppers, and I discovered that a splash of coconut milk gave the filling a creamy richness.

I also began to experiment with different shapes and sizes of patties, from traditional half-moon shapes to miniature bite-sized versions for parties and gatherings. Each batch I made was a labor of love, a tribute to the culinary traditions of Jamaica and the friendship I shared with Maria.

As the years passed, I became known among my family and friends as the "Jamaican Beef Patty Queen." I would often host gatherings where I would serve platters of piping hot patties, watching with delight as my loved ones savored each bite.

My grandchildren especially loved my Jamaican Beef Patties, and they would beg me to make them for every special occasion. I would always oblige, happy to share a taste of my culinary heritage with the next generation.

And so, the recipe for Jamaican Beef Patties became more than just a dish – it became a symbol of my passion for cooking, my dedication to preserving culinary traditions, and the bond I shared with Maria. Every time I make a batch of patties, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of Jamaican cuisine.

To this day, whenever I bite into a flaky, golden Jamaican Beef Patty, I can taste the love and care that went into perfecting the recipe. And I am grateful for the memories, the friendships, and the delicious flavors that have enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined.