Guyanese Beef Patties

Step 1

Add flour to a large mixing bowl, followed by salt and mix together well. Then grate chilled butter using the shred side of a cheese grater into the flour

Step 2

Using a pastry blender or fork blend the butter into the flour but do not over blend, leaving little bits of butter creates a really flaky texture. Then add the vegetable shortening and combine until it is fully mixed and crumbly

Step 3

Add the ice water a little at a time and press the flour together to form a dough ball. Do not knead the dough as this will remove the flaky texture

Step 4

Place in a ziplock bag and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Step 5

Add ground meat to a hot skillet or sauté pan on medium heat and cook until all of the pinkness in the meat is gone

Step 6

Add garlic powder, onion powder, cassareep, ketchup, pepper and salt and cook for about 5 minutes

Step 7

Add chicken broth and thyme and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, then remove from the heat.

Step 8

Let cool completely before adding to the pastry dough

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 350°F

Step 10

Remove pastry dough from the refrigerator and and divide into two, returning half to the refrigerator while you work on your patties

Step 11

Working with the remaining half, roll the dough out until it is ⅛ th inch thick, then using a circular mold (hand pie or biscuit cutter) cut 12 circles that are about 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter (bottom of the patties) and 12 circles that are 3 to 3 1/2 inches in diameter (tops for the patties). You may need to cut 12 circles first then press the dough back together and roll it out and cut the other 12 circles

Step 12

Next add about 1 1/2 tablespoons of meat filling to the center of each bottom piece of dough. Then brush the perimeter of the disk with water and then place the second disk on top.

Step 13

Then using a fork seal the edge of the patty and then pierce the top to allow air to escape during cooking

Step 14

Place on a greased baking sheet, repeat these steps with the remaining dough

Step 15

Brush the patties with the egg wash and bake in 350 °F oven for 20-25 minutes (or until golden brown), then remove and let cool before serving.