Belizean Patties Recipe

Belizean meat patties, or simply “patties” as they are known in Belize are a wonderful snack or Belizean Breakfast. The preparation is very similar to Belizean meat pies, however, I think these are easier to make since they do not require quite as much work with the dough as meat pies. The fillings can easily be adjusted to your taste, below is a traditional preparation with some suggestions for additions. Just like panades, patties can be filled with cheese, beans, and meat, vegan options work well too.

Belizean Meat Patties Recipe

Dough Ingredients:

• 2 and 1/4 cups white all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 beaten egg
• 2/3 cup water (tap water is fine)

Dough Preparation:

1. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix slightly with a fork.
2. Add shortening and use a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly. If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can use two knives or your hands.
3. Mix in the beaten egg, then gradually add the water. Use a fork to mix until everything starts to combine, then knead by hand in the bowl. The dough will initially be sticky but will become cohesive as you mix. Knead for a few minutes; the dough doesn’t need to be smooth.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use, to prevent drying out.

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup sweet peppers (mini sweet peppers or any available), chopped
• 1 Roma tomato, chopped
• 1 packet of favorite seasoning
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (or any melting cheese of choice)

Filling Preparation:

1. In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef with garlic, onions, and sweet peppers.
2. Add the chopped Roma tomato and your preferred seasoning packet. Stir well and let cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Once cooked, turn off the heat and stir in chopped cilantro (if using). Set aside to cool.

Assembling the Meat Patties:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 5-6 inch round.
3. On one half of the round, place two spoons of meat filling and top with shredded cheese.
4. Apply water along the edge of one side of the dough to act as a glue.
5. Fold the dough over the filling and press to seal. Use a fork to press along the edge to ensure it’s sealed.
6. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Baking:

1. Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 25 minutes.
2. Let them cool on a wire rack.

Serving Suggestion:

• Serve the meat patties warm, optionally with hot sauce for added spice.

Approximate Nutritional Data:

Things to try when making this Belizean Patties Recipe:

1. Dough Variation: Consider adding butter alongside shortening for added flakiness
2. Filling Enhancement: Incorporate spinach into the meat mixture for an added health benefit. Spinach not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a subtle flavor enhancement.
3. Spice Adjustment: The inclusion of jalapeño peppers for those who enjoy a spicier filling could offer a pleasant heat that complements the savory meat.
4. Baking Technique: For an even golden crust, brushing the patties with an egg wash before baking might provide a more appealing finish.
5. Serving Suggestion: Accompanying the patties with a side of homemade habanero sauce or store-bought hot sauce for added spice caters to a wider range of taste preferences.

Enjoy your Belizean Meat Patties, a delicious reminder of home!