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 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 cup cold water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 carrot, grated; 1 bell pepper, finely diced; 1 cup frozen peas, thawed; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon allspice; 1 teaspoon thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Authentic Food

I absolutely love making Jamaican Vegetable Patties at home! The flaky, golden crust paired with a savory vegetable filling is always a crowd-pleaser. I tend to get creative with the filling, using vegetables that I have on hand, which makes each batch unique and delightful. The best part is that I can serve them as a snack or a main dish, and they are always a hit! Whether I’m hosting friends or just looking for a tasty treat, these patties never disappoint.

Created by

Elin Matthews

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:01:34.916Z

One of my favorite culinary adventures was creating Jamaican Vegetable Patties. I wanted to capture the authenticity of the flavors while adapting it for a vegetarian diet I decided to try using a blend of carrots, bell peppers, and green peas, seasoned with traditional Jamaican spices. The aromas wafting through my kitchen were irresistible!

After several attempts to perfect the dough, I found that letting it rest for a bit made a significant difference in texture. The flaky crust was everything I hoped it would be, and the vibrant filling replicates that iconic street food taste beautifully. I can't wait to share this recipe with you!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Flaky, buttery crust with a golden color
Savory filling that bursts with flavor
Perfectly spiced for an authentic Jamaican taste
Great as a snack or part of a meal

Achieving the Perfect Crust

The key to a flaky Jamaican patty crust starts with the butter. Make sure it’s really cold; this aids in creating those lovely, flaky layers. While mixing the butter with flour, you want to work quickly to keep the butter cold. Avoid overworking the dough, as it can lead to a tough texture. After adding the cold water, mix until just combined; you don't want to knead it too much—this will ensure the crust remains tender.

Chilling the dough is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. After wrapping it in plastic, chilling for 30 minutes allows the gluten in the flour to relax, making it easier to roll out later. If you're short on time, you can extend the chilling time to an hour or even overnight—this adds flavor and improves texture. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling if chilled overnight.

Crafting Flavorful Fillings

The vegetable filling is where your creativity can shine. Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have available; for instance, you might consider adding corn or spinach. Just ensure that any additional ingredients are pre-cooked or sufficiently thawed to avoid excess moisture in your patties, which can lead to soggy bottoms. A great rule of thumb is to aim for no more than a cup of vegetables to maintain the balanced filling-to-crust ratio.

Cooking the filling thoroughly before assembling the patties is essential. This helps meld the flavors together and ensures that all vegetables are tender. When sautéing, keep an eye on the heat; medium is usually best, as it allows the onions to become translucent without burning. The spices, like allspice and thyme, should be added towards the end to toast them slightly and release their aromatic oils—this really elevates the flavor profile.

Ingredients

Before we get started, let's gather our ingredients:

For the Dough

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

For the Filling

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, grated
1 bell pepper, finely diced
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste

Now that we have everything set, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create delicious Jamaican Vegetable Patties:

Make the Dough

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

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Stir in the grated carrot, bell pepper, and peas. Season with allspice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and let cool.

Assemble the Patties

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a large cookie cutter. Place a spoonful of the vegetable filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal.

Bake the Patties

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Your Jamaican Vegetable Patties are now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding some chopped Scotch bonnet peppers to the filling. Also, these patties can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking for a quick snack later.

Storage and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftover patties, storing them is easy. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They can also be frozen for up to a month. To freeze, layer the patties between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake them directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for a crispy finish.

For reheating, I recommend using the oven instead of a microwave to retain the crispness of the crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the patties on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method revitalizes any leftover patties and helps maintain that flaky texture you love.

Serving Suggestions

Jamaican Vegetable Patties are versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy them plain or pair them with a tangy dipping sauce such as mango chutney or a hot pepper sauce for an extra kick. If you want a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or some rice and peas to complement the flavors and textures.

For a festive touch, serve these patties at your next gathering on a large platter with assorted dips. They make excellent appetizers or snacks at parties. You might also consider slicing them in half and stuffing them with avocado or arugula for a more filling dish. No matter how you choose to serve them, these patties add a delightful Caribbean flair!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different vegetables for the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match according to your preferences or what you have on hand.

→ How do I store leftover patties?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I fry the patties instead of baking?

Yes, you can fry them in hot oil until golden brown for a different texture!

→ What can I serve with Jamaican Vegetable Patties?

They pair wonderfully with a side of mango chutney or a fresh salad for a complete meal.