Enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean with these delicious meat pockets. They are packed with tender meat, aromatic spices, and vegetables, all wrapped in a flaky pastry crust. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or as a party appetizer. The meat pockets are a crowd-pleaser and will transport you to the tropics with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
Directions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the jerk seasoning, cumin, thyme, hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the meat mixture cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough a few times until it is smooth.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a small ball.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into a circle about 5 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto one half of each circle. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges to seal.
- Place the meat pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve the Caribbean meat pockets warm as a main course or appetizer. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Jerk seasoning is a traditional blend of spices used in Caribbean cuisine, usually including allspice, thyme, cinnamon, and scotch bonnet peppers.
Caribbean cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and diverse influences, including African, Indian, and European culinary traditions.
Meat pockets are a popular street food in the Caribbean, often filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, or seafood.