Jamaican Beef Patties

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Pastry Dough

   5 min

   In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of plain flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of curry powder. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors, particularly the curry powder, which will impart a subtle warmth and aroma to the dough.

2. 2

   Incorporate the Butter

   5 min

   Take 250g of butter and cut it into small cubes. Rub the butter into the flour mixture using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces of butter still visible, which will help create a flaky texture in the pastry.

3. 3

   Form the Dough

   5 min

   Gradually pour in 1 cup of ice water while gently mixing with your hands to bring the dough together. If the mixture is still crumbly, add more ice water, 2 to 3 tablespoons at a time, until a cohesive dough forms that is not sticky and holds together when pressed.

4. 4

   Chill the Dough

   5 min

   Divide the dough into 2 equal portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, which will make rolling easier later. Alternatively, you can divide the dough into 10 to 12 smaller pieces for individual patties and chill them.

5. 5

   Make the Beef Filling

   5 min

   In a large bowl, combine 900g of minced beef, 1 teaspoon of allspice, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat, enhancing the flavor of the filling.

6. 6

   Sauté the Onions

   5 min

   Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup of chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.

7. 7

   Add Garlic and Thyme

   5 min

   Stir in 2 teaspoons of ground garlic, 1 tablespoon of thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt into the skillet with the onions. Cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma and meld with the other flavors, creating a fragrant base for the beef.

8. 8

   Brown the Beef

   14 min

   Add the seasoned minced beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is evenly browned and no longer pink, ensuring it's fully cooked before proceeding, about 5-7 minutes.

9. 9

   Add Ketchup and Adjust Seasoning

   2 min

   Incorporate 2 tablespoons of tomato ketchup into the beef mixture, stirring well to combine. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if necessary, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.

10. 10

    Simmer the Filling

    36 min

    Pour in 2 cups of water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the filling has thickened, stirring occasionally, about 15-20 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped onions just before removing from heat and let the mixture cool completely.

11. 11

    Prepare for Assembly

    24 min

    Assemble the Patties: In a small bowl, beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into circles approximately 6 inches in diameter, ensuring they are even in thickness for uniform cooking.

12. 12

    Fill and Seal Patties

    10 min

    Place about 3 tablespoons of the cooled beef filling on one half of each dough circle. Moisten the edges of the dough with a little water, fold the other half over the filling, and press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges, trimming any excess dough if necessary.

13. 13

    Chill Assembled Patties

    5 min

    Once all patties are formed, place them in the refrigerator while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the patties maintain their shape during baking.

14. 14

    Bake the Patties

    11 min

    Brush the tops of the patties with the prepared egg wash to give them a golden color when baked. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and flaky, then transfer to wire racks to cool slightly before serving warm.