Jamaican Vegetable Patties

Name: Jamaican Vegetable Patties
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 patties
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1/2 cup cold water; 1 cup finely chopped carrots; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup finely chopped bell peppers; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: International Ideas

I absolutely adore Jamaican vegetable patties! These delightful pastries are not only a treat for the palate, but they also offer a vibrant explosion of flavors with each bite. The flaky crust hugs a colorful mixture of vegetables and spices that bring back memories of childhood gatherings. I’ve spent time perfecting the balance of seasonings to ensure that every patty is packed with taste. Whether served as a snack or a light meal, these patties are a perfect way to enjoy the essence of Jamaican cuisine.

Created by

Lorna Whitcombe

Last updated on 2026-01-13T06:44:37.838Z

Making Jamaican vegetable patties is a culinary journey that I truly enjoy. The combination of fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers with an aromatic mix of thyme and scallions creates an inviting filling that’s both hearty and satisfying. I’ve learned that allowing the filling to cool before encasing it in dough prevents the patties from becoming soggy, ensuring a perfect flaky texture.

One of my favorite details is the crust, which I season with a hint of turmeric. This not only gives it a beautiful golden hue but also adds a subtle earthiness that complements the vibrant vegetable filling. Every time I serve these patties, they vanish quickly, leaving everyone smiling and asking for more!

Why You'll Love These Patties
A perfect blend of spices that will awaken your taste buds
Crispy and flaky pastry that encases a flavorful vegetable filling
Great as a snack, appetizer, or light meal that's easy to prepare

Understanding the Dough

The dough for Jamaican vegetable patties is key to achieving a flaky, tender crust. The use of cold butter is crucial, as it creates steam during baking, leading to that desired flakiness. If your butter begins to warm while mixing, try using a pastry cutter or two forks to blend it, maintaining its chill. Remember, the dough should be soft but not sticky; if it feels too wet, add a little more flour until it holds together well.

After mixing the dough, resting it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the gluten to relax, which is essential for rolling out without tearing. When rolling the dough, keep your surface lightly floured to prevent sticking and ensure even thickness. Aim for about 1/8 inch; this thickness allows for the ideal balance between a sturdy outer layer and a tender bite.

Flavorful Filling Techniques

The filling is where the flavor truly shines! Using fresh vegetables, like carrots and bell peppers, brings vibrant color and a crunch that complements the flaky pastry. However, frozen peas are not just time-savers; they work perfectly here as they maintain texture when cooked. If you want to experiment, consider adding to the filling with chopped corn or a handful of spinach for added nutrition and flavor variation.

It's essential to cook the filling until just tender, enhancing the flavors without turning them mushy. You can achieve this by sautéing over medium heat and stirring regularly. Watch for the onions to become translucent and aromatic, as this indicates they are releasing their sweetness and flavor to the dish. Allowing the mixture to cool completely before filling the patties prevents the dough from getting soggy and ensures a lovely golden finish in the oven.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Jamaican vegetable patties:

For the pastry:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/2 cup cold water

For the filling:

1 cup finely chopped carrots
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup finely chopped bell peppers
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure everything is prepped and ready before you start assembling your patties!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your patties:

Prepare the pastry

In a large bowl, mix the flour, turmeric, and salt. Add the chilled butter and rub it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Make the filling

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until translucent. Stir in the carrots, peas, bell peppers, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Allow the filling to cool.

Assemble the patties

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of vegetable filling in the center of each circle. Fold over and crimp the edges to seal. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the patties

Bake the patties in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Jamaican vegetable patties warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some chopped Scotch bonnet pepper to the filling. Serve with a dipping sauce for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Once baked, these patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to prepare them in advance, consider rolling and filling the patties, then freezing them uncooked. Lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can go straight from the freezer to the oven; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

When reheating, the best way to restore the crispiness is by placing them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method revives that delightful flaky texture. Microwaving is convenient but may result in a soggy crust, so it’s best reserved for situations where time is of the essence, and you’re okay with sacrificing some texture.

Serving Ideas

Jamaican vegetable patties can be served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for gatherings. I love pairing them with a tangy dipping sauce, such as a mango chutney or a spicy pepper sauce, which complements the spices in the filling beautifully. They also make great additions to lunch boxes, providing a filling yet light meal option.

For a heartier meal, consider serving the patties alongside a fresh salad or a big helping of coleslaw. The crunch of a slaw balances the texture of the patties nicely and adds freshness to the plate. Additionally, these patties can be enjoyed with a variety of beverages, from iced tea to a fruity punch, enhancing the Caribbean culinary feel.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the pastry in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry dough a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to assemble the patties.

→ What other vegetables can I use in the filling?

Feel free to mix in vegetables like corn, spinach, or any seasonal produce you have on hand.

→ How do I store leftover patties?

Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can these patties be frozen?

Absolutely! Assemble the patties, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.