Beef Patty

Beef  Patty

The word Patty is used in many ways in different parts of the world. Mine stems closest to a colonial word, more often used in Jamaica; where they hand-fill and roll, spicy beef mince to fill a pastry sheet.

Other common words are Empanada;  for the Spanish Latin speaking cultures. Pasty in Cornwall and the UK. In Pakistan, another colonial influenced country has the traditionally round Chicken Patty. Turnovers are very similar in principal but generally look like a sandwich and made of many types of casing.

Growing up it was a local favourite of all students and also at all school Tuck Shops served in a particular brown paper bag!! Couple of years ago I decided to make it to show my children what we enjoyed as kids and since then it has become a favourite specially at a casual family get together.

Ingredients

1kg/2.2lbs lean mince beef

1 tsp oil

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 tsp minced ginger

1 tsp chillie powder

½ tsp garam masala

½ tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp coriander powder

½ tsp brown sugar

4 tbsp tomato paste

Fresh lemon

In a flat skillet heat the oil and add the mince. Pan fry it until all the oils are released from the meat. Add all the spices, mix well, turn the heat low, cover the pan and cook for 30 minutes on a simmer.

Squeeze half a lemon all over, mix well. It should not have any liquids in the pan. Cool completely.

Roll out the two sheets of puff pastry. Cut into 1/3^rd long strips. Fill one strip with mince length wise. Leave ¼ of it empty closest to you and the other quarter furthest from you. Gently pull the pastry over the meat from one side and then the other, ensuring it slightly overlaps. Brush with milk or egg wash across the length. Cut into desired size with a sharp pair of scissors or a pizza cutter.

Pre-heat the oven to 400 F/210 C. Bake for 18 minutes until flaky and golden-brown.

Tips

The mince can be refrigerated overnight.

The patty freezes well so you can bake as and when required.

Read more about Parsi Food and its origins in my cookbooks The World of Parsi Cooking: Food Across Borders and  The Art of Parsi Cooking; reviving an ancient cuisine.

For more delicious recipes for everyday favourites click to download

Niloufer's Kitchen:Quick and Easy

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HBSBLI4 

Read more about Niloufer's Kitchen on The Huffington Post Blog.

and 
About Eating in Florence on Huffington Post

Readers Comments
June 27th 2015
Roshan M
Tried the beef patties ...came out perfect..thanks dear !

Spenta Behrana
July 22nd 2017
They were delicious!!