Jamaican Beef Patties

Ingredients:

1 batch Caribbean patty crust
400g minced beef
2 tbsp oil
3 spring onions, chopped
sprig of thyme
1 scotch bonnet chilli, finely chopped
4 slices white bread
360ml water
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Jamaican curry powder (optional)

Method:

Add the oil to a pan and when hot use to fry the beef and thyme for about 12 minutes (or until the meat is nicely browned). Stir in the chilli, spring onions, seasonings and spices. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile tear the bread into pieces and combine with the water in a blender of food processor. Render to a smooth paste and stir this into the meat mixture. Cook for 3 more minutes, stirring frequently then take off the heat.

Prepare the Caribbean patty crust as in the recipe. Spoon the meat mixture into one half of the patty (a little over a heaped tablespoon is about right), fold over to form a half-moon shape then seal the edges. Prick the top with a fork to make steam holes, brush with milk to glaze then transfer to a lightly-greased baking tray.

Place in an oven pre-heated to 220°C and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden. Serve warm with a good hot pepper sauce.