Jamaican Vegetable Patties

Name: Jamaican Vegetable Patties
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 patties
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4-6 tablespoons cold water; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 bell pepper, finely chopped; 1 carrot, grated; 1 cup spinach, chopped; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fusion Food

I absolutely love making Jamaican Vegetable Patties! These flaky, golden pastries are filled with a colorful blend of vegetables that create a delicious and satisfying experience. When I first tried my hand at them, I was amazed at how easy they were to prepare, and the results were simply irresistible. The spices bring a burst of flavor that transports me right to the vibrant streets of Jamaica. They make for a fantastic snack or appetizer that everyone will enjoy!

Created by

Ivy Sanderson

Last updated on 2026-01-13T01:09:36.380Z

When I first came across Jamaican Vegetable Patties, I was intrigued by their vibrant colors and flaky crust. I decided to give them a try, and I was pleasantly surprised at how simple the recipe was. The filling, a mix of vegetables and spices, melded beautifully, providing a delightful flavor that I couldn't resist!

After a few attempts, I discovered that letting the dough rest helped achieve a perfect flakiness. I recommend using a variety of veggies for more texture and interest. Trust me, once you taste these patties, they will become a staple in your kitchen.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Bursting with vibrant flavors from a variety of vegetables
Flaky, buttery crust that crumbles perfectly with each bite
Perfect for parties, meal prep, or a cozy weekend snack

      

Mastering the Pastry

Creating a flaky pastry is crucial for the perfect Jamaican Vegetable Patties. Start by ensuring your butter is very cold; this helps create that desirable flaky texture. When mixing the butter into the flour, don’t overwork the mixture; stop as soon as it resembles coarse crumbs. If the dough feels too dry when you add water, it’s fine to add an extra tablespoon at a time, as long as you don't make it too wet. Remember that chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is essential for easy handling later on.

When rolling out the pastry, flour your surface generously. Aim for an even thickness of about 1/8 inch; this will ensure that your patties have a nice structure and bake uniformly. If you find the dough sticking, sprinkle a little more flour on the surface, but be cautious not to incorporate too much, which could make the pastry tough. A well-rolled patty will allow the filling to shine while maintaining that perfect flaky quality.

Filling Flavor Essentials

The filling is the heart of Jamaican Vegetable Patties, so using fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor. The combination of onion and bell pepper provides a sweet base, while thyme and allspice add depth and warmth. If you’re looking to introduce different flavors, try swapping spinach with kale or adding mushrooms for an umami punch. Remember to sauté the vegetables adequately; they should be tender and fragrant but not overly cooked, allowing for a perfect texture when placed inside the pastry.

Seasoning is crucial. As you cook the vegetables, taste and adjust the salt and pepper to ensure it’s flavorful. Avoid over-seasoning initially; it's easier to add salt later if needed. Also, if you’re planning to make the filling ahead of time, allow it to cool completely before refrigeration to avoid soggy pastry. This filling can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prepping.

Serving and Storing

Once baked, these patties are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, but they also make excellent leftovers. If not serving immediately, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their crispiness. For storage, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and the pastry regains its crunch.

If you want to freeze your patties, prepare them as instructed, but before baking, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, and they can last for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time until golden brown. This method ensures you always have a delightful snack ready to go!

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious Jamaican Vegetable Patties!

For the pastry

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
4-6 tablespoons cold water

For the filling

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, finely chopped
1 carrot, grated
1 cup spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon allspice
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you're ready to start making your patties!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Jamaican Vegetable Patties!

Prepare the pastry

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Make the filling

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper; sauté until soft. Stir in the grated carrot and spinach, cooking until wilted. Sprinkle with thyme, allspice, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool.

Assemble the patties

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center and fold the pastry over. Seal the edges with a fork.

Bake the patties

Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Jamaican Vegetable Patties!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding some diced scotch bonnet pepper to your filling for authentic Jamaican heat. You can also experiment with different vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand.

Sourcing Ingredients

The key to this recipe is sourcing fresh, high-quality vegetables. Visit your local farmers' market for seasonal produce, as this can dramatically impact the taste of your patties. Bell peppers come in various colors – green, red, yellow – each imparting different flavors, so feel free to experiment with your favorites. Additionally, consider using organic ingredients whenever possible; they often deliver better flavor and nutritional content.

If you're short on certain vegetables, substitutes can work wonders. For example, zucchini can replace carrots for a milder flavor, and frozen vegetables can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before cooking to avoid sogginess in your patties. Remember, the goal is to create a mix that balances flavor and texture.

Veggie Variations

Don't be afraid to get creative with your vegetable filling! You can incorporate a variety of other ingredients like corn, peas, or even finely chopped broccoli to enhance the nutritional value. Each vegetable adds its unique taste and texture, ensuring that each bite is a delightful surprise. Also, consider adding a touch of heat by mixing in some diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce, catering to varying spice levels.

If you want to make these patties vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil in the pastry, and ensure that your filling is entirely plant-based. You can even incorporate beans or lentils for added protein, making the patties not just delicious but also satisfying and filling.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze these patties?

Yes, these patties freeze wonderfully! Just make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ Can I substitute the filling ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or what you have available. Potatoes, peas, and corn are also great options.

→ How long do these patties last in the fridge?

In the refrigerator, they can last for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven for best results.

→ What can I serve with Jamaican Vegetable Patties?

These patties pair perfectly with a side salad, or you can serve them with a dipping sauce like hot sauce or a yogurt-based dip for added flavor.