Perhaps it was the grey, overcast skies, or the chill in the air yesterday, but I suddenly had the urge to make Jamaican Beef Patties. (Perhaps I was secretly nostalgic about my years at Sweetwater's in the 90s?)

Anyway, these are a curry-tasty treat that's basically a turnover. Very easy to make-- don't be thrown off that you have to make dough, it's a very simple recipe!

Semi-Authentic Jamaican Beef Patties

Ingredients

-- for the dough --
2 c flour
1 t curry powder
1 t turmeric
1/4 t salt
1/4 cup butter (cold, cut in pieces)
1/4 cup shortening
1/3 c ice-cold water

--for the filling --
1 medium onion, chopped fine (you can also add scallion in addition or instead)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground beef
1/2 t salt
1/2 t curry powder
1/2 t turmeric
1/2 t ground allspice
1/2 t dried crushed thyme
1/2 t ground black pepper
1 t ground aleppo or other hot pepper (I would like to note here that you should probably use a fresh scotch bonnet and add it to the onion mixture at the front end. However, I have a lot of aleppo that I got as a Christmas present so I am trying to use it!)
Chopped parsley, if you like green stuff
1/3 c beef stock
1/4-1/3 c panko breadcrumbs (or other breadcrumbs without seasoning)

Also, 1 egg, beaten, for assembly.

To Prepare

Make the dough:

1. Whirl the dry ingredients in your food processor to mix.
2. Add the butter and shortening and pulse until crumbly.
3. Add the ice water and pulse until mixed. (Will still appear somewhat crumbly.)
4. Turn onto floured surface and press to mix together, then roll out to about 1/8" thick.
5. Let rest until the filling is done.

Make the filling:

1. Add the chopped onion and garlic to a hot pan with some fat (1 T butter, whatever)-- fry at medium-high until soft. Don't brown.
2. Add the beef and spices through the parsley (if you're using it)and mix well; allow beef to brown slightly on the outside.
3. Add the bread crumbs and stock and mix well.
4. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, until reduced to the point where there is just a small amount of "sauce."
5. Remove from heat and set aside for 15 or so minutes to cool. Now might be a good time to open a beer.

Assemble:

Preheat oven to 375 and cover baking sheet with parchment paper (or silpat).

1. Cut a piece of dough into an about 6" circular piece.
2. Put about 1/4 c filling onto the middle. Brush edges with beaten egg, and close up.
3. Use a fork to close the edges.
4. Brush the outside with beaten egg.
5. Repeat.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes, until outsides are slightly brown.

I have to admit, it is very hard to get the dough into the right size, and the right amount of filling, so as not to have the patties leak a little, or have too much dough at the edges. I also didn't really cut circles, more like ovals. It doesn't really matter, honestly, so don't stress. You can see from my photo:

Serve these with some hot sauce. They're also good with beans and rice on the side. I made salad.