Empanadas jamaicanas picantes de ternera

Ingredientes

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 small onion (- chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (- minced)
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder (- or hot sauce)
• 1/2 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika powder
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg powder ((optional))
• 1/4 teaspoon pimento powder ((optional) - or ground pepper)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 beef broth cubes ((optional))
• sheet/s puff pastry
• 1 egg (+ 1 tablespoon water - for egg wash)

Preparación

1. 1

   In a pan over medium heat, saute garlic and onion in oil until limp.

2. 2

   Add ground beef and make sure to break up any clumps and let cook until the meat is no longer pink.

3. 3

   Add chili powder, curry powder, dried thyme, paprika powder, sugar, nutmeg powder and pimento powder. Cook for another minute.

4. 4

   Add the bread crumbs, water and beef cube and season with salt. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes or until all water is gone and only oil is left. It should be moist but not watery. Remove excess oil if needed.

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F.

6. 6

   Cut the flaky pastry into 6 squares. On a floured surface, flatten each square a bit using a rolling pin. Fold a square piece into a triangle and unfold again. Fill one triangle with ground beef leaving about a half centimeter from the edge unfilled. Fold the other triangle on top of the filling and pinch the edges with a fork to close.

7. 7

   Place the patties on a baking tray lined with a parchment paper. Lightly brush the pastry with egg wash Poke (3-5) small holes on each patty using a toothpick or fork to let the steam out and prevent them from bursting open while baking. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the pastry gets puffy and turns golden. Turn the patties to bake the other side for another 5 minutes or until also golden.

8. 8

   Best served while still warm.