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Jamaican Vegetable Patties

Jamaican Vegetable Patties

Jamaican Vegetable Patties are flaky, golden pastries filled with a vibrant, spiced blend of vegetables and traditional Jamaican herbs. This vegetarian-friendly snack offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, ideal as a versatile appetizer or meal. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, these patties bring the authentic taste of Jamaica to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pastry Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons cold butter or margarine, cut into pieces
  • 1/3 cup cold water (adjust as needed)

For the Vegetable Filling

  • 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Combine flour, ground turmeric, and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water while kneading lightly until a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and make it easier to roll.
  2. Sauté the Vegetable Filling: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, carrots, and peas, sautéing until vegetables start to soften. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, allspice, and scotch bonnet pepper or chili flakes. Continue cooking until vegetables are tender but still have a slight bite. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in vegetable broth, allowing the mixture to simmer until most liquid evaporates. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  3. Roll and Cut the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into thin sheets. Cut the dough into desired shapes – circles or rectangles – depending on your preference.
  4. Fill and Seal Patties: Place a spoonful of the cooled vegetable filling onto one half of each dough piece, leaving edges clear. Moisten the edges with water, fold over the dough to cover the filling, and press edges firmly with a fork or pinch to seal tightly, ensuring no filling escapes during baking.
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops lightly with egg wash or plant-based milk to create a shiny golden crust. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until patties turn golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Keep the dough chilled to ensure a flaky, tender crust.
  • Do not overfill patties to prevent bursting during baking.
  • Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper gradually to suit your heat preference.
  • Use fresh thyme for authentic Jamaican flavor when possible.
  • Use egg wash or plant-based milk for a glossy, golden finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jamaican Vegetable Patties, Caribbean snack, vegetarian patties, spicy vegetable pastry, Jamaican street food, flaky pastry