Name: West Indies Patties
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup vegetable shortening; 1/4 cup cold salted butter; 1 large egg (beaten); 1/4 cup whole milk; 1/2 pound ground beef ((not lean)); 1/4 cup diced russet potato; 1/4 cup julienned carrot; 2 tablespoons chopped yellow onion; 1 teaspoon minced parsley; 1 teaspoon curry powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon lime juice; 1 cup finely diced Granny Smith apple; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 cup finely diced mango; 1 tablespoon minced jalapeno; 1 tablespoon minced red bell pepper; 1 tablespoon minced cilantro; 1 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup diced tomato; 1 tablespoon chopped red onion; 1 tablespoon minced red bell pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

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West Indies Patties are a delightful culinary treasure that encapsulates the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. These flaky pastries, filled with a savory mixture of spiced meat and vegetables, are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a zesty dipping sauce, West Indies Patties bring a taste of the tropics to your table. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore why these patties are a must-try!

Why This West Indies Patties Stands Out

What sets West Indies Patties apart is their irresistible golden-brown crust that envelops a savory filling. The combination of spices, fresh vegetables, and fruits like mango and apple creates a unique flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. These patties are versatile, allowing for creative variations that cater to different tastes and preferences. With their flaky pastry and rich filling, they are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy them.

What Goes In

Creating the perfect West Indies Patties requires a harmonious blend of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the pastry:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1/4 cup cold salted butter
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup whole milk

For the filling:

1/2 pound ground beef (not lean)
1/4 cup diced russet potato
1/4 cup julienned carrot
2 tablespoons chopped yellow onion
1 teaspoon minced parsley
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon lime juice
1 cup finely diced Granny Smith apple
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 cup finely diced mango
1 tablespoon minced jalapeno
1 tablespoon minced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon minced cilantro

For the dipping sauce:

1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup diced tomato
1 tablespoon chopped red onion
1 tablespoon minced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
A pinch of ground cumin

Cook’s Kit

Before you embark on this culinary adventure, gather the following kitchen essentials:

Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Sharp knife
Baking sheet
Skillet or frying pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Pastry brush
Cooking thermometer (optional, for oil temperature)

Stepwise Method: West Indies Patties

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the vegetable shortening and cold salted butter, using a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and whole milk. Gradually add this mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and add the diced potato, julienned carrot, chopped onion, and minced parsley. Stir in the curry powder, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, chicken broth, and lime juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and fold in the diced apple, mango, jalapeno, red bell pepper, and cilantro. Allow the filling to cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Patties

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a round cutter, cut out circles of dough (approximately 4-5 inches in diameter). Spoon a heaping tablespoon of filling onto the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork. Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg.

Step 4: Fry the Patties

In a deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the patties in batches, frying until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve with Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, diced tomato, red onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, salt, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin. Serve the golden West Indies Patties warm with the creamy dipping sauce on the side.

Season-by-Season Upgrades

To elevate your West Indies Patties throughout the year, consider these seasonal upgrades:

Spring: Add fresh herbs like mint or dill for a refreshing twist.
Summer: Incorporate fresh corn or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Autumn: Substitute sweet potatoes for russet potatoes for a sweeter filling.
Winter: Mix in roasted butternut squash for a cozy, hearty filling.

Slip-Ups to Skip

When making West Indies Patties, avoid these common mistakes:

Using lean ground beef can lead to a dry filling. Opt for a fattier blend for better flavor and moisture.
Skipping the chilling step for the pastry can result in a tough texture. Make sure to refrigerate the dough.
Overfilling the patties can cause them to burst while frying. Stick to a heaping tablespoon of filling.
Not allowing the filling to cool before assembling can make the dough soggy.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

West Indies Patties are perfect for meal prep and freezing:

Assemble the patties but do not fry them. Lay them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Once frozen, transfer the patties to a zip-top freezer bag for easy storage.
To cook, simply fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Quick Q&A

Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works well as a substitute and offers a lighter option for the filling.

What if I don’t have curry powder?

You can create your own blend using turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a hint of cinnamon for a similar flavor profile.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To decrease the heat, simply omit the cayenne pepper and jalapeno. For more spice, add extra cayenne or some diced habanero peppers.

Can I bake the patties instead of frying?

Yes! For a healthier option, brush the patties with egg wash and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Healthy-ish Favorites

If you’re looking for other delicious and slightly healthier recipes, check out these favorites:

Ready to Cook?

Now that you have all the ingredients and steps laid out, it’s time to gather your loved ones and create some delicious West Indies Patties. These flaky pastries are perfect for sharing, and they’ll transport your taste buds straight to the Caribbean. Enjoy the cooking process, and don’t forget to savor every bite!