Empanadas are a popular and delicious snack found in various Latin American countries, including Jamaica. These savory turnovers are typically made with a flaky pastry dough and filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meats, vegetables, and spices. While the exact origins of empanadas are debated, they have become a beloved staple in Jamaican cuisine. In this article, we will explore the traditional Jamaican empanada recipe and learn how to make these tasty treats at home.
Jamaican beef patties are a delicious and flavorful dish that has become popular all over the world. The signature flaky crust and spicy beef filling make these patties a must-try for any food lover. If you're a fan of Jamaican cuisine or just looking for a new and exciting recipe to try, then you're in luck. We've rounded up the top 13 Jamaican beef patty recipes for you to try at home!
The key to a good Jamaican beef patty is in the seasoning. This recipe uses a combination of traditional Jamaican spices like allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper to give the filling its signature flavor. The meat is also marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar for added depth of flavor.
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Jamaican Beef Patties (Hand Pies)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Turmeric, Curry Powder, Salt, Butter, Ice Cold
If you want to make your Jamaican beef patties handheld and portable, try this recipe for hand pies. The filling is the same as the authentic recipe, but the pastry is made with a combination of butter and cream cheese, giving it a flaky and rich texture. These hand pies are perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a party appetizer.
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3-Bite Jamaican Beef Patties
Main Ingredients: Oil, Green Onions, Medium Onion, Scotch Bonnet Pepper
If you're looking for a smaller version of the traditional Jamaican beef patty, then these 3-bite patties are perfect for you. The pastry is made with a combination of butter and shortening for a flaky and buttery crust. The filling is also slightly modified, using ground beef instead of minced beef for a smoother texture.
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Mazola Corn Oil, Water, Turmeric
If you're trying to watch your calorie intake, this healthier version of Jamaican beef patties is for you. The pastry is made with whole wheat flour, and the filling is made with lean ground beef and lots of vegetables. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the beef with tofu or your favorite meat alternative.
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How to Make Vegan Jamaican Beef Patties
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Kosher Salt, Ground Turmeric
Yes, you read that right. You can enjoy the delicious flavors of Jamaican beef patties even if you're following a vegan diet. This recipe uses a combination of mushrooms, lentils, and walnuts to create a meaty and flavorful filling. The pastry is also made with vegan butter, and you can use a flax egg as a binder.
This recipe is perfect for those who want to try their hand at making the traditional Jamaican beef patties from scratch. The pastry is made with flour, butter, and shortening, giving it a flaky and buttery texture. The filling is made with minced beef, onions, and a variety of spices for a flavorful and authentic taste.
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Spicy Jamaican Mini Beef Patties
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sea Salt, Brown Sugar, Curry Powder
If you like your food with a kick, then these spicy Jamaican mini beef patties are for you. The filling is made with minced beef, scotch bonnet pepper, and a variety of spices for a fiery and flavorful experience. The pastry is also made with a combination of butter and shortening for a flaky and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Oxtail is a popular ingredient in Jamaican cuisine, and this stew recipe is a must-try for any oxtail lover. The meat is slow-cooked with a variety of spices, vegetables, and herbs until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. The result is a rich and flavorful stew that pairs perfectly with rice and peas.
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Easy Jamaican Oxtails
Main Ingredients: Oxtails, Soy Sauce, Ground Allspice, Onion Powder
If you want to try your hand at making Jamaican oxtails at home, this easy recipe is a great place to start. The oxtails are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar for added flavor. They are then slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and a variety of spices until they are tender and flavorful.
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Vegan Jamaican Beef Patties
Main Ingredients: Flour, Margarine, Turmeric, Curry Powder, Salt, Cold
Another great vegan option for those who want to enjoy the flavors of Jamaican beef patties. This recipe uses a combination of lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts for the filling, and a vegan butter and flour pastry. The result is a delicious and meat-free version of the traditional Jamaican dish.
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Jamaican ‘Beef’ Patties With Cheese
Main Ingredients: Egg Replacer, Gluten, Xanthan Gum, Kosher Salt, Baking
If you want to take your Jamaican beef patties to the next level, try adding cheese to the filling. This recipe uses a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, which adds a creamy and melty texture to the filling. The result is a delicious and indulgent twist on the traditional Jamaican beef patty.
Last but not least, this recipe for Jamaican oxtail is a must-try for any meat lover. The oxtails are braised in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar until they are tender and falling off the bone. The result is a rich and hearty dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Making the Pastry Dough
Jamaican empanadas are known for their flaky and buttery pastry dough, which is what sets them apart from other versions of this dish. To make the dough, you will need the following ingredients:
All-purpose flour
Cold butter
Water
Salt
Start by sifting the flour into a large mixing bowl. Next, cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, gradually add cold water to the mixture and continue to mix until a smooth and elastic dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
Filling the Empanadas
The filling for Jamaican empanadas is typically made with ground beef, but you can also use chicken, pork, or vegetables for a vegetarian option. Other ingredients commonly found in Jamaican empanadas include:
Onions
Bell peppers
Scotch bonnet peppers
Thyme
Allspice
Garlic
To make the filling, start by browning the ground beef in a pan. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté onions, bell peppers, and scotch bonnet peppers until they are softened. Add the beef back to the pan and mix in the thyme, allspice, and garlic. Allow the filling to cool before using it to fill the empanadas.
Assembling and Baking the Empanadas
To assemble the empanadas, roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut it into circles. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle, leaving enough space around the edges to seal the empanada. Fold the dough in half and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. These Jamaican empanadas can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. They are best served warm and can be paired with a dipping sauce, such as a spicy salsa or a cool mango chutney.
In conclusion, making Jamaican empanadas at home is a fun and delicious way to experience the flavors of Jamaican cuisine. By following this traditional recipe, you can create flaky and flavorful empanadas that are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So why not give this recipe a try and add a taste of Jamaica to your next meal?
