Jamaican Vegetable Patties

Name: Jamaican Vegetable Patties
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 patties
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; 1/4 cup cold water; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, grated; 1 small bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 cup cooked green peas; 1 teaspoon allspice; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: International World Food Recipes

I absolutely love making Jamaican Vegetable Patties at home! The combination of flaky pastry and flavorful spiced vegetables is simply irresistible. Each bite is a delightful burst of flavors, making it perfect for snack time or as part of a meal. I enjoy experimenting with different vegetables and spices, keeping the recipe fresh and exciting every time. The warm, comforting aroma wafting through the kitchen reminds me of vibrant Caribbean islands, bringing a piece of Jamaica right to my table.

Created by

Charlotte Wilson

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:51:35.207Z

When I first tasted Jamaican Vegetable Patties at a small island restaurant, I was instantly hooked. The vibrant colors and the rich texture captivated my senses, and I knew I had to recreate them. After several attempts, I discovered that the secret lies in the dough, which I now make with cold butter for flakiness and a pinch of turmeric for a beautiful hue.

Every time I prepare these patties, I enjoy mixing unique combinations of vegetables, like sweet potatoes and bell peppers. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds nutritional value, making them a delicious and wholesome option for everyone. Plus, I always ensure a generous dash of allspice and thyme for that authentic Jamaican taste!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Flaky, golden pastry that is a joy to bite into
Savory vegetable filling with a delightful spice mix
Perfectly portable for on-the-go snacking or meals

      

Mastering the Pastry

The key to achieving that flaky, golden pastry lies in the butter's temperature and the handling of the dough. Make sure the butter is very cold; this helps to create steam when baking, which puffs up the pastry layers. When cutting the butter into the flour, be gentle; overworking the dough can lead to tough pastries. Mix until you have coarse crumbs, and when you add the cold water, do it gradually. You want the dough to just come together without being wet or sticky.

Chilling the dough is equally essential. By resting it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, you allow the gluten to relax, which results in a tender crust. If you're short on time, you can chill for just 15 minutes, but I recommend the full half-hour for the best results. When rolling out the dough, a floured surface is important to prevent sticking. If the dough fights back and keeps shrinking, let it rest again for a few minutes.

Filling Variations

While the recipe calls for carrots, bell peppers, and green peas, this filling is versatile and can be adapted based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, corn, or even chopped spinach would work beautifully in place of any of these vegetables. Just keep in mind that if you're using particularly fibrous veggies like zucchini, you may want to sauté them until slightly soft to prevent excess moisture in your filling. This ensures your patties don’t turn soggy.

Spice adjustment is another area where you can personalize your patties. My favorite spin includes a hint of scotch bonnet pepper for a spicy kick, but if you prefer milder flavors, you could include smoked paprika for depth or even add a teaspoon of curry powder for an extra layer of warmth that complements the allspice nicely. Always taste your filling before sealing the patties to ensure it’s well-seasoned.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Jamaican Vegetable Patties are perfect for meal prep! You can make a large batch and freeze them before baking. Simply assemble the patties, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, and they’ll last for up to three months. You can bake them directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time and keep an eye on them until they’re golden brown.

For serving, I love pairing these patties with a refreshing salsa or a drizzle of spicy mango sauce to enhance the Caribbean flavor profile. They also make a great addition to a picnic spread or can be served alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can even transform them into sliders by cutting them smaller and serving between little buns with some avocado and lettuce.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these mouthwatering Jamaican Vegetable Patties:

For the pastry

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup cold water

For the filling

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, grated
1 small bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup cooked green peas
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before starting the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Jamaican Vegetable Patties:

Make the pastry

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and turmeric. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the filling

In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add grated carrots, bell peppers, and green peas. Season with allspice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Let cool.

Assemble the patties

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into circles (about 4 inches wide). Place a spoonful of the filling on one side, fold over, and seal the edges with a fork.

Bake the patties

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Enjoy these delicious patties as a snack or part of a meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra crispy crust, brush the tops of the patties with a bit of beaten egg before baking. You can also experiment with different fillings based on seasonal vegetables.

Tips on Perfecting Your Filling

When preparing your vegetable filling, it’s crucial to ensure all vegetables are chopped uniformly. This not only promotes even cooking but also ensures each bite has a balanced mix of flavors. If you notice your filling is too wet after cooking, you can thicken it by adding a small spoonful of breadcrumbs or mashed potato. This helps absorb extra moisture and keeps the pastry crisp when baked.

Don't forget to let the filling cool before assembling your patties. This step is often overlooked, but if the filling is too warm, it can make the pastry soggy. I usually let mine cool for about 10-15 minutes, which is just enough time to prepare my dough or work on cutting the pastry rounds.

Adapting for Diets

For a vegan version of these patties, substituting the butter with vegan margarine works beautifully. Just ensure that your pastry ingredients, including any additives, are marked vegan. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but look for recipes specifically tailored for pastry dough as the texture can vary significantly from regular flour.

If you want to boost the protein in your patties, consider adding cooked lentils or chickpeas to your filling. They blend well without overpowering the other flavors and add a nutritious punch. Additionally, you could add diced tofu or tempeh for extra texture and protein while keeping the patties vegetarian.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the patties?

Yes! You can freeze unbaked patties. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to an airtight container.

→ What vegetables can I use for the filling?

Feel free to use any combination of vegetables you like, such as potatoes, spinach, or corn. Just make sure to chop them finely for even cooking.

→ How do I reheat leftover patties?

To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain their crispiness.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead. Just keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.