Jamaican Curry Beef Patty

Ingredients

• For the pastry: For the pastry:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 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) beef, finely diced 1 pound (450g) beef, finely diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugar: 1g)
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt for the pastry. 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 large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the diced beef to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
5. 5.
   Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for an additional 2 minutes to toast the spices.
6. 6.
   Pour in the beef broth and season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
8. 8.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut out circles or squares, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
9. 9.
   Place a spoonful of the cooled curry beef filling onto one half of each pastry shape. Fold the other half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal and crimp with a fork.
10. 10.
    Transfer the patties to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let the patties cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, and ensure it is finely diced for a consistent texture in the filling.
• Curry powder — Use a high-quality curry powder for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your preference for spiciness.
• Pastry — Handle the pastry dough gently to avoid overworking it, as this can result in a tough crust. Keep the dough chilled until ready to use for a flakier texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier patty, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper to the filling.
• Make a double batch of the filling and freeze it for future use, allowing you to easily whip up a batch of Jamaican Curry Beef Patties whenever cravings strike.
• Serve the patties with a side of tangy mango chutney or hot pepper sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with different shapes for the patties, such as triangles or rectangles, to add visual interest to your presentation.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the patties instead of frying them.

Serving advice

Serve the Jamaican Curry Beef Patties warm as a delicious snack or as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad. They are also perfect for picnics or as party appetizers.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden Jamaican Curry Beef Patties on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve them alongside a small dish of mango chutney or hot pepper sauce for dipping.