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Caribbean Meat Pastry Bites

Serves 4 to 6 Appetizer meat, Appetizers

Caribbean Meat Pastry Bites

These Caribbean Meat Pastry Bites are a cherished staple at home gatherings and informal celebrations across the islands. They're crafted with a keen eye on tradition, ensuring that each step resonates with the way Caribbean families have prepared them for generations. Think of them as the highlight of a Saturday luncheon or an evening where the company is as warm as the tropical breeze.

Each bite offers a savory burst of seasoned ground beef and finely chopped onion encased in a crisp, golden pastry shell. The generous use of salt and fat ensures a rich, satisfying flavor that lingers long after the last bite. They're best enjoyed straight from the pan, shared among friends and family, embodying the communal spirit of the Caribbean table.

Ingredients

  • 300 gground beef
  • 1onion
  • 12pastry wrappers
  • for fryingoil
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by finely chopping 1 onion. This will ensure that the onion cooks evenly and incorporates well into the ground beef mixture. Set aside the chopped onion for later use.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom, approximately 2 tablespoons. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion. Stir occasionally until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add 300 g of ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef into small pieces, ensuring it cooks evenly. Cook until the beef is browned and any excess liquid has evaporated, which indicates the beef is cooked through.
  4. Season the beef mixture generously with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine the seasonings evenly throughout the meat. Taste a small portion to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  5. Lay out 12 pastry wrappers on a clean surface. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make sealing the edges difficult.
  6. Fold each pastry wrapper over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, using a fork to crimp and seal the edges to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
  7. In a clean skillet, heat enough oil for shallow frying over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the sealed pastries in the pan, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry until the pastry is golden brown and crispy on both sides, flipping once, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
  8. Remove the cooked pastries from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve the Caribbean Meat Pastry Bites immediately while they are hot and crispy, perfect for sharing at the table.
Cover of Authentic Caribbean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Caribbean Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Caribbean Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Caribbean volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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