Best 9 Caribbean Meat Pockets Recipes

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Journey into the vibrant culinary heritage of the Caribbean with our tantalizing selection of meat pockets recipes. These handheld delights, known as empanadas, pastelillos, or patties, embody the rich cultural tapestry of the region, showcasing a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and aromas. From the golden-brown exteriors to the savory fillings bursting with succulent meats, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs, each bite promises a delightful symphony of taste.

Discover the art of crafting these delectable pockets of joy, as we guide you through a step-by-step process of preparing the perfect dough, selecting the finest ingredients, and mastering the techniques of folding and sealing. Immerse yourself in the diverse culinary traditions of the Caribbean, as we present a range of recipes that cater to every palate.

Indulge in the classic Jamaican beef patties, renowned for their flaky crust and perfectly seasoned fillings, or embark on a culinary adventure with our unique Caribbean chicken pockets, bursting with the vibrant flavors of jerk chicken. For a vegetarian delight, explore our tantalizing vegetable empanadas, showcasing a medley of fresh vegetables enveloped in a crispy pastry shell.

Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible allure of these meat pockets, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a lively gathering or seeking a satisfying snack, these handheld treasures are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

JAMAICAN MEAT PIE



Jamaican Meat Pie image

Jamaican Beef Patty - Spicy flavorful beef stuffed in an amazing super easy buttery dough. Comes together quickly and flies off the table. Simply delicious!

Provided by Imma

Categories     Snack

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 23

4 cups all-purpose flour, (plus more for dusting)
2 tablespoons sugar
½ tablespoon salt
½-2 teaspoon turmeric
5 ounces shortening
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 cup ice water
5 ounces unsalted butter
½ medium onion, (chopped)
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon curry
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon white pepper
3 green onion, (chopped)
2 tablespoon parsley, (chopped)
½ teaspoon salt, (or more)
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 pound ground beef
¼ cup bread crumbs
½ scotch bonnet pepper, (chopped (optional))
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder, (optional replace with salt)

Steps:

  • In a food processor or by hand, mix together, flour, salt, sugar, turmeric blend well Add the butter, shortening, followed by vinegar and water in small amounts, pulse until combined and dough holds together in a ball.
  • Place the dough on a well -floured surface. Divide it into 2 and roll it out. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until ready to use
  • Using a large-mouth glass or bowl about 4-5" cut out circles by gently pressing on the dough and releasing it, shaping the meat pie dough. Continue cutting out the dough until it all has been cut. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to use.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a saucepan, followed by onions, garlic, paprika, thyme curry, chili powder, white pepper, allspice, and chicken bouillon. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
  • Then add ground meat and breadcrumbs and continue cooking for about 10 or more minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Add about ½ cup of water.
  • Finally, add green onions and parsley and adjust for salt and pepper seasoning.
  • Remove from stovetop and let it cool.
  • Scoop a heaping tablespoon of filling into each circle, and brush with egg white or white around half of the circle. Fold over twist with fingers gently to seal the edges of the meat pie.
  • Another way of sealing is by pressing the tines of a fork along the edges of the dough.
  • Preheat the oven to 375℉.
  • Carefully place each pie on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes .
  • You may freeze them to bake later.
  • Best served warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 356 kcal, Carbohydrate 44 g, Protein 13 g, Fat 24 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Cholesterol 32 mg, Sodium 567 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 pie

JAMAICAN BEEF PATTIES (AKA MEAT PIES OR PASTIES)



Jamaican Beef Patties (Aka Meat Pies or Pasties) image

Make and share this Jamaican Beef Patties (Aka Meat Pies or Pasties) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Debbie R.

Categories     Savory Pies

Time 50m

Yield 10 patties

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 dash salt
1/4 cup margarine
1/4 cup shortening
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons margarine
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten

Steps:

  • Make the crust: Combine flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder, and pinch of salt. Cut in 1/4 cup margarine and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water until mixture forms a ball. Do not overstir; that makes tough crust. Shape dough into a log, and cut into 10 equal sections. Roll each section into a six inch circle (approximately 1/8 inch thick). Set aside.
  • Next, prepare the filling.: Melt margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion until soft and translucent. Stir in ground beef. Season with 1 teaspoon curry powder, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned, stirring constantly. Stir in beef broth and bread crumbs. Simmer until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.
  • Now make the patties: Spoon some filling into each pastry circle. Fold over and press edges together, making a half circle. Use a fork to press edges, and brush the top of each patty with beaten egg.
  • Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 25 - 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • NOTE: If you have the time and organization, it might be best to make the filling in advance, long enough to cool down before fillng the pastry. Otherwise, it might melt the pastry somewhat. Just a thought from a review on another recipe.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 329.4, Fat 19.9, SaturatedFat 5.7, Cholesterol 49.4, Sodium 450.4, Carbohydrate 24.3, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 0.7, Protein 12.8

MINI GOLDEN BEEF POCKETS



Mini Golden Beef Pockets image

You know those handheld pizza pockets you can find in the freezer section of the grocery store? Well they were one of my favorite after-school snacks growing up so I've made my own version-a mashup of those pockets combined with another favorite of mine: Jamaican beef patties.

Provided by Kardea Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h25m

Yield 8 pockets

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 to 2 teaspoons Caribbean all-purpose seasoning
1 teaspoon browning sauce, such as Grace
1 teaspoon dried jerk seasoning
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 small Roma tomato, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Two 14.1-ounce packages refrigerated pie crusts
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 teaspoons ground turmeric

Steps:

  • For the filling: Preheat the oven 400 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, onion and garlic and cook until the beef is browned and crumbly, about 10 minutes. Stir in the ketchup, all-purpose seasoning, browning sauce, jerk seasoning, allspice, ginger, soy sauce, thyme, green onions and tomato. Cook until the mixture is bubbly and heated through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
  • For the dough: Unroll the dough and trim the edges to create a rectangle. Cut each pie dough into four even pieces. Place half of the rectangles on the prepared baking sheets. Spoon the filling evenly into the center of each rectangle. Brush the edges with water and place the remaining rectangles on top. Crimp the edges with a fork. Cut slits in the tops of the pockets to allow steam to escape. Bake until the dough begins to brown and crisp around the edges, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, mix the butter and turmeric in a bowl until combined. Brush the pockets with the turmeric butter. Bake until done, another 5 minutes.

MEAT PIES



Meat Pies image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h50m

Yield 20 meat pies

Number Of Ingredients 15

20 frozen unbaked dinner rolls, such as Rhodes
All-purpose flour, for rolling
2 eggs mixed with 2 tablespoons water, for an egg wash
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup grated pepper Jack cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • For the crust: Put the frozen rolls on a baking sheet. Cover with a tea towel and let thaw and rise for 2 to 3 hours.
  • For the filling: Add the oil to a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Cook the peppers and onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and garlic, then cook for another minute. Transfer to a bowl or plate and set aside.
  • Put the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the beef and cook, breaking up any lumps. Add the chili powder, cumin and 3/4 teaspoon salt and cook until the meat is no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the tomato paste and 1/4 cup water and stir until combined. Mix in the cooked vegetables. Transfer to a bowl and set aside to cool. When the meat is cool, add the cheese and parsley, then season with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • To form: Roll out each dinner roll on a lightly floured surface into a 4-inch circle about 1/4 inch thick. Put 1 1/2 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center of each circle. Brush around the outside of the circles with the egg wash and fold over the dough to form half-moon shapes. Press the edges together and crimp them with a fork. Put on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with the egg wash.
  • Bake until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.

JAMAICAN BEEF PATTIES



Jamaican Beef Patties image

These are delicious curry-flavored beef pastries that can be found in Jamaica and other Caribbean islands. Try serving them with some Peas and Rice, or just have them as a snack.

Provided by JEFFOLEE

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Caribbean

Time 1h20m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons curry powder
1 dash salt
¼ cup margarine
¼ cup shortening
⅓ cup water
2 tablespoons margarine
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
½ cup beef broth
½ cup dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder, and pinch of salt. Cut in 1/4 cup margarine and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water until mixture forms a ball. Shape dough into a log, and cut into 10 equal sections. Roll each section into a six inch circle (approximately 1/8 inch thick). Set aside.
  • Melt margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion until soft and translucent. Stir in ground beef. Season with 1 teaspoon curry powder, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is evenly brown, stirring constantly. Stir in beef broth and bread crumbs. Simmer until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.
  • Spoon equal amounts of filling into each pastry circle. Fold over and press edges together, making a half circle. Use a fork to press edges, and brush the top of each patty with beaten egg.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 371 calories, Carbohydrate 24.3 g, Cholesterol 57.2 mg, Fat 24.9 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 11.9 g, SaturatedFat 7.6 g, Sodium 466.9 mg, Sugar 0.9 g

CARIBBEAN MEAT POCKETS



Caribbean Meat Pockets image

This is my attempt to recreate my daily lunch circa 1998-1999 in NYC - Golden Sun Meat Pockets.

Provided by Sean Clark

Categories     Meat Pie

Time 1h45m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 egg, beaten
3 tablespoons water
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeno peppers
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 ½ cups water
½ cup bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Whisk together the flour, 1 tablespoon curry powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a mixing bowl. Mix in the vegetable shortening until the mixture resembles cornmeal. Stir in the egg and water until the dough is no longer crumbly. Wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir the onion, green onion, garlic, and jalapeno peppers until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the ground beef, and cook until browned and crumbly, about 15 minutes. Drain excess fat from the pan, then stir in the thyme, 2 teaspoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and the 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the water has evaporated. Transfer the beef mixture to a food processor, sprinkle in the bread crumbs, and process until the mixture has become a paste.
  • Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to just under 1/4-inch thick. Cut 20 6-inch circles out of the dough. Divide the beef mixture among half of the circles, mounding in the center. Place the unfilled circles over the filling, and use a fork to seal the edges closed. Arrange on the baking sheets.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and hot on the inside, about 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 487.7 calories, Carbohydrate 35.1 g, Cholesterol 47 mg, Fat 32.7 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 8.4 g, Sodium 581.6 mg, Sugar 1.1 g

CARIBBEAN BEEF PATTIES



Caribbean beef patties image

Spice up beef mince with turmeric, thyme and hot pepper sauce before folding in shortcrust pastry for a tasty dinner or lunch

Provided by Cassie Best

Categories     Dinner, Lunch, Main course, Snack

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 12

drizzle of oil
1 small onion , finely chopped
2 garlic cloves , crushed
250g beef mince
1 potato , cut into 1cm/0.5in cubes
2 tsp turmeric
2 tbsp tomato purée
few thyme sprigs
2 tbsp hot pepper sauce
500g block shortcrust pastry
1 egg , beaten
green salad , to serve

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a pan, add the onion and cook for 5 mins. Add the garlic and beef, turn up the heat and cook until the meat is browned. Add the potato, half the turmeric, the purée and thyme, plus 200ml water. Cover and simmer for 15 mins, then remove the lid and cook for 5 mins more. Add the hot pepper sauce and leave to cool.
  • Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Roll out the pastry to the thickness of a £1 coin. Cut out 6 x 15cm circles, using a small plate as a guide. Divide the mince between the circles, piling it up on one side. Mix the egg with the remaining turmeric, brush around the edge of each circle, then fold over and use a fork to seal the edges. Arrange on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, brush with a little more egg and bake for 20-25 mins. Serve with a green salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 780 calories, Fat 48 grams fat, SaturatedFat 16 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 63 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 3 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 23 grams protein, Sodium 2 milligram of sodium

CARIBBEAN PATTIES (MEAT)



Caribbean Patties (Meat) image

They originally hailed from haiti and are now everywhere in the islands. This recipe is slightly different from either of the two others. From "Caribbean Cooking". Start it over night because the dough needs to sit 12 hours-not included in prep

Provided by MarraMamba

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h10m

Yield 12 patties

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tablespoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable shortening or 1/2 cup margarine
ice water
1 onion
2 green onions
1 scotch bonnet peppers (seeds removed) or 1 jalapeno (seeds removed)
3/4 lb ground beef
3 tablespoons oil
3/4 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon curry powder
salt and pepper
1/2 cup water

Steps:

  • To prepare pastry:.
  • sift together flour, curry powder, salt and then cut in the shortning until it resembles small peas. Add enough ice water to hold dough together, wrap in plastic and refridgerate 12 hours.
  • To make filling:.
  • Finely chop the onions and chile pepper, then mix thoroughly with the ground beef. Heat oil in a skillet and cook meat until browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in breadcrumbs, thyme, curry powder, salt and pepper.
  • Mix the filling well and then add 1/2 cup of water. Cover and simmer about 30 minutes. Cool.
  • Take dough out of fridge about 15 minutes before using. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness and using a saucer to measure, cut into 4 inch circles. Sprinkle a little flour on each circle4 before stacking and cover stack with damp cloth.
  • Preheat oven to 400. Setting out first pastry circle top with 1/12th the filling to cover half of it Fold over the other half and seal edges by pressing with a fork. Repeat with remaining. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 276.7, Fat 16.9, SaturatedFat 4.7, Cholesterol 19.3, Sodium 166.9, Carbohydrate 22.5, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 1.1, Protein 8.6

CARIBBEAN MEATBALLS



Caribbean Meatballs image

This is a recipe I have had for years but never got around to making. I'm putting it here for safe keeping. UPDATE: May '06-Finally made these using ground chicken. The sauce truly is fabulous!

Provided by Happy Harry 2

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h25m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 lb lean pork, ground
3/4 cup water chestnut, minced
1/2 cup green onion, minced
1 inch piece gingerroot, minced
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon oil (not olive oil)
1 green pepper, cut in 1 inch squares
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice (may use pineapple)
1/2 cup chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
3 cups cooked rice, hot
oil (for frying)

Steps:

  • In large bowl, combine pork, water chestnuts, green onions, ginger, 1 tsp soy sauce and egg.
  • Shape into 1 inch balls. Roll meatballs in cornstarch.
  • Pour oil for frying into a wok or deep pan about 11/2 inches deep. Heat oil to 375F or until a chunk of bread sizzles.
  • Add meatballs to oil just a few at a time so not to lower the oil temperature.
  • Cook until browned all over, drain on paper towels.
  • When done with the meatballs, pour out oil. Wipe out wok or skillet with paper towels.
  • Return wok to high heat and pour in 1 tbls oil.
  • Add green pepper and stir-fry 1 minute.
  • Reduce heat to low and add meatballs and water. Cover and simmer 20 minutes or until meatballs are done in center.
  • In a small bowl, combine orange juice, chili sauce, 1 tbls soy sauce, and honey. Pour over meatballs and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
  • This dish goes very well over the rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 549.2, Fat 12.7, SaturatedFat 3.7, Cholesterol 122, Sodium 619.5, Carbohydrate 74.4, Fiber 3, Sugar 14.1, Protein 32.3

Tips:

  • Prep your ingredients in advance: Chop the onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes before you start cooking. This will save you time and make the cooking process go more smoothly.
  • Use a large skillet or Dutch oven: You'll need a large skillet or Dutch oven to cook the meat and vegetables. Make sure it's large enough to hold all of the ingredients comfortably.
  • Don't overcrowd the skillet: When you're cooking the meat, don't overcrowd the skillet. This will prevent the meat from cooking evenly.
  • Season the meat generously: Season the meat with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices before you cook it. This will help to give the meat flavor.
  • Cook the meat until it's browned: Cook the meat until it's browned on all sides. This will help to seal in the flavor.
  • Add the vegetables: Once the meat is browned, add the vegetables to the skillet. Cook the vegetables until they're tender.
  • Add the sauce: Stir in the sauce and bring it to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes, or until it's thickened.
  • Serve the meat pockets: Serve the meat pockets with your favorite sides, such as rice, beans, or salad.

Conclusion:

Caribbean meat pockets are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. They're also a great way to use up leftover meat. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give Caribbean meat pockets a try. You won't be disappointed!

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