Costa Rican Pati (Beef Turnover)

Submitted by Chef Jean

"Whether you call them pati, pattie, patty or paty, these traditional Costa Rican turnovers are one of the best things this cuisine has to offer. They are easy to make and easy to carry around and eat. Make a bunch and take them to work or school as an alternative to sandwiches. I have no idea on prep time, cook time or yield, I just estimated. Posted for ZWT."

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 16
• Yields: 6-10 paties
• Serves: 6-10

ingredients

• For the dough

• 2 1⁄2 cups self raising flour
• 4 ounces shortening
• 2 tablespoons butter, room temp
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pinch salt
• cold water

• For the filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 bell pepper, chopped finely
• 1 1⁄2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons onions, chopped finely
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped finely
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• black pepper
• salt
• hot pepper, to taste

directions

1. For the dough,
2. combine the shortening, butter and oil with a wooden spoon and slowly add the sifted flour and salt. Sprinkle cold water as needed to create a homogenous mixture. Knead the dough and roll it out onto a flat surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. The idea is to have it thin but not so much that it tears.
3. For the filling,
4. sautee the onions, garlic and peppers on a pan with the oil. Once they brown a bit add the ground beef, the cilantro, the salt and pepper and the breadcrumbs. Stir well and cook thoroughly until the mixture is fairly dry. Let cool.
5. Assembly,.
6. Cut the pastry into circles or 6 inch squares. You can add the filling to one side, leaving a one inch border to press the edges, or add it into the center and then fold into thirds or fill the circle and cover it with another pastry circle. Each household has its own pati recipe version, so don’t be afraid to experiment and use the technique that is easiest for you.
7. After filling the patties, press the edges with a fork, then punch some holes into the center of the Costa Rica pati with the fork so that the steam from the filling has a place to exit. Bake until golden brown on a 200°C (400°F) oven. Enjoy!