Mini Jamaican Beef Patties

These patties are a spicy meat pie from Jamaica. The heat factor in this recipe can be adjusted by the amount of curry and red pepper flakes used.

Ingredients:

Pastry:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 Tablespoon curry powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup margarine

1/3 cup cold water

Filling:

2 Tablespoons margarine

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 pound lean ground beef

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup beef or vegetable stock

1/4 cup water

1 egg beaten

Method:

Pastry:

Mix together flour, curry, and salt in the bowl of a stand up mixer. Add margarine and mix until crumbly. Add cold water and mix just until dough forms.

Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thick. Cover dough in plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before proceeding. Cut circles 3 inches in diameter. Cover with plastic wrap until ready to use.

Filling:

In a frying pan over medium heat, saute onion and red pepper flakes in margarine until softened. Add ground beef, curry, thyme , allspice , salt, and pepper. Stir often until beef is browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in breadcrumbs and beef stock into the ground beef. Cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, and until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 and grease pans. Place 1 tablespoon of the meat filling in the center of each circle. Wet the edges of the circles, fold in half, and seal edges with a fork. Brush the tops of the patties with the beaten egg. Bake 30 to 40 minutes until golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 10 - 12 patties

Enjoy!