Get ahead on your party nibbles with these freezable Jamaican veggie patties. You can then simply pop them in the oven when the party is about to start
Prep:25 mins
Makes 40 mini patties
1 tbsp vegetable oil1 onion, finely chopped3 large garlic cloves, crushed3 tsp mild curry powder3 tbsp finely sliced chives2 tbsp chopped thyme leaves250g mixed diced vegetables (a mixture of sweetcorn, carrots, peas and peppers is great)100ml vegetable stock1 tsp brown sugar1-2 tsp hot pepper sauce (optional)1 slice of any bread of your choice (about 60g), torn into small pieces500g block shortcrust pastryplain flour, for dusting1 tsp ground turmeric1 egg, beaten
STEP 1Heat the oil in a deep saucepan over a medium heat and cook the onion with a small pinch of salt for 8-10 mins, stirring regularly until softened. Add the garlic, 2 tsp of the curry powder and the herbs, and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.STEP 2Add the mixed vegetables, stock, sugar and hot pepper sauce, if using. Turn the heat up to high, bring the mixture to the boil, then reduce the the heat to low, cover and simmer for about 10 mins. Add the bread, then continue to simmer over a low heat for another 8-10 mins, stirring occasionally until thickened. Taste for seasoning and leave to cool.STEP 3Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface to a 5mm thickness. Stamp out 16-20 circles (about 8cm in diameter) using a biscuit cutter, then spoon the cooled filling over one half of each pastry circle. Fold the other half of the pastry over to enclose the filling and create a semi-circle then crimp the edge with a fork to seal. To freeze, put the patties on a baking tray lined with baking parchment and open-freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, seal and freeze for up to two months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before using or bake the patties from frozen.STEP 4Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Arrange the patties on a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Whisk the turmeric and remaining 1 tsp curry powder into the beaten egg, then brush this over the patties. Bake for 18-20 mins (or 25 mins from frozen) until the pastry is golden and cooked through, then serve immediately.
