Haitian Spiced Beef Patty

Ingredients

• For the pastry crust: For the pastry crust:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the egg wash: For the egg wash:
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the pastry crust. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the ice water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in the dried thyme, ground cloves, ground allspice, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. 6.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a round cutter to cut out circles of dough.
7. 7.
   Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the patty.
8. 8.
   Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the patties are golden brown and crispy.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. Make sure to cook it thoroughly to ensure food safety.
• All-purpose flour — Sift the flour before using it to ensure a lighter pastry crust.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef filling.
• Make a double batch of the patties and freeze them for later. They can be reheated in the oven for a quick and delicious snack.
• Serve the patties with a side of pikliz, a traditional Haitian spicy cabbage slaw, for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Haitian Spiced Beef Patties are best enjoyed warm. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden brown patties on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for a vibrant touch. Serve them alongside a bowl of pikliz for an authentic Haitian presentation.