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; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 5-6 tablespoons cold water; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 small onion, diced; 1 carrot, grated; ½ red bell pepper, diced; ½ green bell pepper, diced; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tablespoon curry powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Heritage Cooking

I absolutely love making Jamaican Vegetable Patties at home. There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting the perfect flaky pastry and filling it with vibrant, seasoned vegetables. This dish embodies the essence of Jamaican street food and is perfect as a snack or appetizer. With a few key spices and fresh ingredients, I can recreate the authentic flavors, and it never fails to impress my friends and family. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to prepare and can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

Created by

Isla Weatherford

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:01:35.942Z

Making Jamaican Vegetable Patties has become one of my favorite culinary adventures. The moment the dough hits the counter and I start rolling it out, I know I’m in for a treat. My secret to achieving that golden, flaky texture lies in chilling the dough before rolling it, allowing the butter to firm up and create those beautiful flakes.

As for the filling, I always ensure I use a variety of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and scallions, seasoned with curry powder for that distinct Jamaican flavor. It’s all about finding the right balance of spices and perfectly sautéing the veggies to maintain their crunch. I promise you won't be able to stop at just one!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Vibrant vegetables wrapped in a flaky, golden crust
Authentic Jamaican flavors that transport your taste buds
Perfectly spiced for a delightful taste experience
Versatile snack that can be enjoyed hot or cold

      

Mastering the Dough

The dough is crucial for achieving the ideal flaky texture in your Jamaican Vegetable Patties. When mixing the cold cubed butter into the flour, aim for a coarse crumbly consistency. This is key to creating that desired flakiness. If the butter is too warm, you may lose the flakiness, so keep it cold and work quickly. A pastry cutter or your fingers works well for this—just avoid over-mixing as you incorporate the cold water.

Remember to allow the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This resting period helps to relax the gluten, making the dough easier to roll out and resulting in a more tender crust. If you’re short on time, you can chill it for just 15 minutes, but I find that the texture improves with a longer rest.

Flavorful Filling Tips

Selecting fresh vegetables is key to a vibrant filling. For a more robust flavor, consider adding ingredients like minced garlic or fresh thyme along with the sautéed onions. The sautéing process not only softens the vegetables but also helps to release their natural flavors. Make sure to cook until the onion is translucent and the carrots are tender—this usually takes about 5 minutes—before adding the spices.

The curry powder is vital in replicating the authentic Jamaican flavor profile; I prefer using Jamaican curry powder for a more authentic taste. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. If you'd like, you can swap in other vegetables, such as zucchini or sweet potatoes, for a different twist, but ensure they're finely diced or grated so they cook evenly with the other ingredients.

Storing and Serving Recommendations

These patties are incredibly versatile; they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you're preparing them in advance, consider par-baking them for 10-15 minutes, letting them cool, and then refrigerating. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can finish baking them at the original temperature until golden brown for that fresh out-of-the-oven taste.

For serving, they are delightful on their own but can be complemented with a spicy dipping sauce or a fresh mango chutney to elevate your snack experience. Also, think about pairing them with a light salad for a satisfying meal; the crunchy greens contrast beautifully with the flaky, savory patties.

Ingredients

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

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
5-6 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
1 carrot, grated
½ red bell pepper, diced
½ green bell pepper, diced
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon curry powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything ready before you begin preparing the patties!

Instructions

Follow these steps for making the Jamaican Vegetable Patties:

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Filling

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the grated carrot and diced peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the green onions, curry powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Assemble the Patties

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a clean surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into circles, about 5 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle and fold over, sealing the edges with a fork.

Bake the Patties

Arrange the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Jamaican Vegetable Patties as a delicious snack or appetizer!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vegetable filling. They also freeze well, so consider making a double batch for future cravings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your dough turns out tough, it may be due to overworking it or using warm butter. Remember, the goal is to combine the ingredients just enough to hold together—less is more! If you've overmixed, try rolling it out with a gentle hand to avoid creating excess gluten.

Should the patties leak filling during baking, ensure you seal them properly by crimping the edges with a fork. This helps to create a tight seal that keeps the filling inside. A little egg wash on the edges can also help in sealing, giving a beautiful golden color as well.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on your needs. When scaling up, just be mindful to keep the dough's consistency in check; increased quantity may require minor adjustments to the water as you mix. Likewise, if you're making a smaller batch, prepare the same base and freeze any leftover dough or filling for later use.

If you're considering a larger gathering, why not set up a DIY patty bar? Offer different fillings such as spiced lentils, mushrooms, or even a mixed bean medley, allowing guests to create their own personalized patties. Just ensure you bake them in batches to maintain that fresh-out-of-the-oven quality.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini based on your preference.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to a month.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to roll and fill.

→ What can I serve these patties with?

These patties pair wonderfully with a spicy dipping sauce or a refreshing yogurt dip.