Jamaican Patty

Although pies filled with meat are popular in many countries throughout the world as a great way to turn cheap cuts of meat into savory bites and making sure that no food goes to waste, Jamaican meat patties are enhanced with unique African and Indian touches. Derived from English favorites - meat pies, and Spanish pasteles, they are universally loved in Jamaica as a simple street food that can also be served as a main course. Jamaican patties are flat, baked in a half-moon shape, and coated with turmeric on the exterior, while on the interior there is a fragrant, aromatic filling usually consisting of finely ground beef meat, breadcrumbs, and a selected variety of spices such as thyme, onions, garlic, Scotch bonnet chilis, and a zesty curry powder. Even though beef is the local favorite, fish, vegetables, callaloo, or goat meat all stand as worthy substitutes. Rarely, on special, festive occasions there are also sweet patties – filled with meat, apples, and cinnamon - a unique blend of flavors. Whether savory or sweet, the patties are also great when reheated the next day, and they can even be fried, crackling and oily.