18 Jamaican Hand Pie Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
Jamaican hand pies are a delicious and popular snack that can be found all over the island. These flaky pastries are filled with a variety of savory and sweet fillings, making them a versatile and satisfying treat. While they may seem intimidating to make, with the right recipe and techniques, you can easily recreate these tasty hand pies in your own kitchen.
Jamaican beef patties are a beloved dish in Caribbean cuisine. These delicious hand pies are made with a flaky pastry crust and a flavorful beef filling. The combination of spices and herbs used in Jamaican beef patties make them a unique and tasty treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal.
If you're a fan of hand pies, then you have to try Jamaican beef patties. These handheld delights are perfect for on-the-go snacking or as an appetizer at your next party. The flaky pastry crust and savory beef filling will have your taste buds dancing with each bite.
3of 12
Jamaican Beef Patties (Hand Pies)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Turmeric, Curry Powder, Salt, Butter, Ice Cold
Looking for a smaller version of the traditional Jamaican beef patty? Look no further than the 3-bite Jamaican beef patty. These mini patties are perfect for parties and gatherings, and they're just as flavorful as their larger counterparts.
4of 12
3-Bite Jamaican Beef Patties
Main Ingredients: Oil, Green Onions, Medium Onion, Scotch Bonnet Pepper
For those looking for a healthier option, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of Jamaican beef patties. By using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and swapping out the traditional pastry crust for a whole wheat version, you can still indulge in this Caribbean classic guilt-free. There's also a vegetarian option for those who don't eat meat.
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Mazola Corn Oil, Water, Turmeric
Vegans don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of Jamaican beef patties either. By substituting the beef with plant-based protein and using vegan-friendly pastry dough, you can create a vegan version that still has all the flavors of traditional Jamaican beef patties.
6of 12
How to Make Vegan Jamaican Beef Patties
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Kosher Salt, Ground Turmeric
While beef is the traditional filling for Jamaican patties, there are other variations that you can try. Some popular options include chicken, shrimp, and even fish. No matter what filling you choose, these patties are sure to be a hit.
For those who like a little kick in their food, try making spicy Jamaican mini beef patties. With added scotch bonnet peppers and other spices, these patties pack a flavorful punch that will leave your taste buds tingling.
8of 12
Spicy Jamaican Mini Beef Patties
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sea Salt, Brown Sugar, Curry Powder
Oxtail is a popular protein in Jamaican cuisine, and it's often used in stews and soups. Jamaican oxtail stew is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for colder months. The tender meat and flavorful broth will warm you up from the inside out.
If you're short on time, but still want to enjoy the deliciousness of Jamaican oxtail, try making an easy version. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have tender, flavorful oxtail without spending hours in the kitchen.
10of 12
Easy Jamaican Oxtails
Main Ingredients: Oxtails, Soy Sauce, Ground Allspice, Onion Powder
Vegans can also enjoy the flavors of Jamaican beef patties with a vegan version that uses plant-based protein and vegan-friendly pastry dough. These patties are just as delicious as the traditional version and are perfect for those following a plant-based diet.
11of 12
Vegan Jamaican Beef Patties
Main Ingredients: Flour, Margarine, Turmeric, Curry Powder, Salt, Cold
For a twist on the traditional Jamaican beef patty, try adding cheese to the filling. The combination of savory beef, flavorful spices, and melted cheese is a winning combination that will have you coming back for more.
12of 12
Jamaican ‘Beef’ Patties With Cheese
Main Ingredients: Egg Replacer, Gluten, Xanthan Gum, Kosher Salt, Baking
Oxtail is a staple in Jamaican cuisine, and it's often used in stews and soups. With its rich, meaty flavor, oxtail is a perfect addition to any dish. Whether you're making a stew, soup, or curry, Jamaican oxtail is sure to add a delicious depth of flavor.
The Perfect Crust
The Importance of Butter
When it comes to making the perfect Jamaican hand pie, the crust is key. It should be flaky, buttery, and hold up well to the filling. To achieve this, it is important to use cold butter when making the dough. The cold butter creates small pockets of fat in the dough, which melt during baking and create that flaky texture we all love. Make sure to cut the butter into small cubes and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
Don't Overwork the Dough
Another key tip for achieving the perfect crust is to avoid overworking the dough. This can lead to a tough crust instead of a flaky one. Once the dough comes together, stop kneading and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to work with.
Filling Ideas
Savory Options
Jamaican hand pies are traditionally filled with savory ingredients such as spicy beef, curry chicken, or jerk pork. These fillings are typically made with a combination of onions, garlic, scotch bonnet peppers, and a variety of herbs and spices that give them their signature Jamaican flavor. To add some extra heat, you can also include diced scotch bonnet peppers in the filling.
Sweet Options
For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of options for filling Jamaican hand pies. Mango, pineapple, and guava are popular choices that pair well with the flaky crust. You can also get creative and add in some coconut, nutmeg, or cinnamon to enhance the flavor. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your chosen fruit.
Baking and Serving
Preventing Leakage
To prevent the filling from leaking out of the hand pies while baking, it is important to seal the edges of the dough well. You can do this by crimping the edges with a fork or using a fluted pastry wheel. You can also brush the edges with egg wash before sealing to help them stick together.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Jamaican hand pies are baked to golden perfection, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These hand-held treats are perfect for a quick snack or can be served as part of a larger meal with some rice and peas, plantains, or a side of salad. They are also great for parties and gatherings as they can easily be made ahead of time and reheated right before serving.
Now that you have the inside scoop on making the perfect Jamaican hand pie, it's time to get baking! With a little practice and some delicious filling combinations, you'll be able to recreate this popular Jamaican snack in no time. So next time you're craving a taste of the island, skip the takeout and make your own hand pies at home.