Jamaican Patties; Beef, Chicken, or Lamb

These are delicious curry-flavored pastries found in the Caribbean islands, particularly in Jamaica. Great as a snack or as a Jamaican meal compliment. I also enjoy them with a spinach, corn, and bean salad. I have used pre-packaged Crescent rolls (2 cylinders rolled out and cut into 10 circles or phyllo dough (15 sheets cut lengthwise to make 30 triangles) as a time saver. Not as good or as spicy as the handmade pastry, but sometimes there’s just not enough time. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days an reheat in microwave on medium heat.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 4-6
• Yields: 10 patties

Ingredients

• PASTRY

• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon curry powder
• 1  dash salt
• 1⁄4 cup margarine
• 1⁄4 cup shortening
• 1⁄3 cup water

• FILLING

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 4 -6  garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1  large onion, finely chopped
• 1  lb  lean lean ground beef
• 1  tablespoon curry powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cumin powder or 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1⁄2 cup  dry breadcrumbs
• 1⁄2 cup  chicken stock
• 2  green onions, finely chopped

Directions

1. FILLING:
2. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.
3. Add onions and cook for 10 minutes stirring occasionally until soft and translucent.
4. Add garlic, cook 2 minutes.
5. Add beef, curry, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook until browned stirring constantly.
7. Stir in stock and breadcrumbs.
8. Simmer until liquid is absorbed. (aprox.10 minutes) Texture should be soft and moist. Add green onions.
9. PASTRY:
10. In a large bowl, combine flour, turmeric, curry, and salt.
11. Cut in 1/4 cup margarine and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
12. Stir in water until mixture forms a ball. Shape dough into a log, and cut into 10 equal sections.
13. Roll each section into a six inch circle (approximately 1/8 inch thick). Cover with damp towel.
14. Spoon equal amounts of filling into each pastry circle. Fold over making a half circle and press edges together. Use a fork to press edges, and brush the top of each patty with beaten egg.
15. Cook for 25- 30 minutes.