Jamaican Patties

A flaky, golden pastry filled with a warmly spiced savory beef mixture, perfect for snacks, lunches, or party platters.

Jamaican patties are crisp, golden pastries with a tender crust and a fragrant, gently spicy beef filling. Popular across the Caribbean, they make an excellent handheld meal or snack. This homemade version balances buttery pastry with a rich filling seasoned with curry, thyme, scallions, and a touch of heat for authentic flavor.

Ingredients

• For the dough: 3 cups all-purpose flour
• For the dough: 1 tablespoon curry powder
• For the dough: 1 teaspoon salt
• For the dough: 1 teaspoon sugar
• For the dough: 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• For the dough: 1/2 to 3/4 cup ice water
• For the filling: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• For the filling: 1 small onion, finely chopped
• For the filling: 2 cloves garlic, minced
• For the filling: 1 pound ground beef
• For the filling: 1 tablespoon curry powder
• For the filling: 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• For the filling: 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• For the filling: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the filling: 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• For the filling: 1 scallion, finely sliced
• For the filling: 1 small hot pepper, finely chopped, optional
• For the filling: 1/2 cup beef broth
• For the filling: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• For the filling: 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• For the filling: 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash

Instructions

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, curry powder, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter and rub it in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overwork it. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for at least 20 minutes.
3. Prepare the filling: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Mix in the curry powder, thyme, allspice, black pepper, salt, scallion, and hot pepper if using.
5. Stir in the beef broth and tomato paste. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add the breadcrumbs. Cook until the filling is moist but not wet. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
6. Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into circles or rectangles, depending on your preferred shape.
8. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each piece of dough. Fold over, press the edges to seal, and crimp with a fork.
9. Arrange the patties on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash.
10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the patties are golden and crisp. Cool slightly before serving.