Bahamian Beef Patties

Name: Bahamian Beef Patties
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 7
Cuisine: Bahamas
Ingredients: All-purpose flour — 3 cups (375 g); Turmeric — 1 tsp; Salt — 1 tsp; Cold butter, cubed — 1 cup (225 g); Ice water — 1/2-3/4 cup (120-180 ml); Vegetable oil — 2 tbsp; Onion, finely diced — 1; Garlic, minced — 2 cloves; Ground beef — 450 g (1 lb); Curry powder — 1 tsp; Dried thyme — 1/2 tsp; Paprika — 1/2 tsp; Cayenne pepper (optional) — 1/4 tsp; Beef stock — 1/2 cup (120 ml); Breadcrumbs — 1/2 cup (30 g); Salt and black pepper, — to taste; Egg, beaten, for egg wash — 1

The Quirky Foodster Team

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40 min (plus 30 min chilling)

Prep

25 min

Cook

Servings

Ingredients

All-purpose flour — 3 cups (375 g)
Turmeric — 1 tsp
Salt — 1 tsp
Cold butter, cubed — 1 cup (225 g)
Ice water — 1/2-3/4 cup (120-180 ml)
Vegetable oil — 2 tbsp
Onion, finely diced — 1
Garlic, minced — 2 cloves
Ground beef — 450 g (1 lb)
Curry powder — 1 tsp
Dried thyme — 1/2 tsp
Paprika — 1/2 tsp
Cayenne pepper (optional) — 1/4 tsp
Beef stock — 1/2 cup (120 ml)
Breadcrumbs — 1/2 cup (30 g)
Salt and black pepper, — to taste
Egg, beaten, for egg wash — 1

Method

Whisk flour, turmeric and salt together. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add ice water a little at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Wrap and chill 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a skillet; sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned.
Stir in curry powder, thyme, paprika and cayenne; cook 1 minute.
Add beef stock and simmer 8-10 minutes until most liquid is absorbed. Stir in breadcrumbs to bind, and season with salt and pepper. Cool slightly.
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Roll out dough to about 3 mm (1/8 in) thick and cut into rounds.
Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each round, fold over and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
Brush with egg wash and place on a lined baking sheet.
Bake 22-25 minutes until golden and flaky.

Introduction: Golden, flaky hand pies filled with well-spiced ground beef, patties are grabbed on the go from bakeries and corner shops across the Bahamas, a portable meal shaped by wide Caribbean migration and trade.

Cultural Background: Golden, flaky hand pies filled with well-spiced ground beef, patties are grabbed on the go from bakeries and corner shops across the Bahamas, a portable meal shaped by wide Caribbean migration and trade.

Tips: Keep the butter and water very cold for the flakiest pastry; work quickly to prevent the butter from softening.

Variations: Ground chicken, saltfish or vegetables can replace beef for different patty fillings.

Vegetarian/Vegan: No authentic vegetarian or vegan conversion exists for this dish; none has been forced.

Storage: Refrigerate baked patties in an airtight container up to 3 days, or freeze unbaked patties up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crisp again.

Nutrition: Approx. 340 kcal, 13 g protein, 28 g carbohydrate, 20 g fat per patty.

FAQs:

Q: Why is the pastry yellow?

A: Turmeric is traditionally added to the dough, giving Caribbean-style patties their signature golden colour.

Q: Can I freeze these before baking?

A: Yes, freeze assembled unbaked patties on a tray, then transfer to a bag; bake from frozen, adding about 8-10 extra minutes.