Jamaican Vegetable Patty Recipe: Easy & Flavorful Guide

Updated On: September 28, 2025

There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, flaky Jamaican vegetable patty fresh from the oven. The golden, crisp crust gives way to a fragrant, spiced vegetable filling that’s both hearty and comforting.

Jamaican patties are beloved street food, perfect for an on-the-go snack or a satisfying lunch, and the plant-based version is every bit as flavorful as the classic beef or chicken varieties. This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Jamaica to your kitchen, blending a medley of vegetables with aromatic herbs and spices, all wrapped in a tender, turmeric-laced pastry.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to incorporate more veggies into your meals, these homemade Jamaican vegetable patties are sure to be a hit. They’re ideal for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand.

Let’s dive into the rich tradition of Jamaican patties and create a savory treat that will transport your taste buds to the Caribbean!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic flavors: This recipe captures the bold, spicy, and aromatic essence of classic Jamaican patties, using all plant-based ingredients.
  • Accessible ingredients: No need for specialty shops—everything you need can be found in most supermarkets.
  • Perfect make-ahead snack: These patties freeze well, making them ideal for busy weeks or grab-and-go lunches.
  • Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the crisp pastry and flavorful filling.
  • Versatile: Customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or add beans for extra protein.

If you love global plant-based dishes, don’t miss our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor and Veg Maharashtrian Recipes: Easy & Delicious Meals for more culinary adventures!

Ingredients

For the Pastry For the Filling
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter or coconut oil, chilled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup ice-cold water (plus more as needed)
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper or 1 jalapeño, minced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1 carrot, diced small
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small potato, diced small
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board
  • Small saucepan
  • Fork or pastry cutter
  • Pastry brush (optional, for brushing tops)
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pastry dough:

    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, turmeric, and salt.
    • Add the chilled vegan butter or coconut oil. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the fat into the flour until you have a crumbly texture with pea-sized bits.
    • Mix the ice-cold water and apple cider vinegar. Drizzle over the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Add a tablespoon of water if needed.
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead just until it forms a ball. Do not overwork.
    • Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Make the vegetable filling:

    • Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
    • Add the scotch bonnet pepper, carrot, bell pepper, and potato. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
    • Stir in the peas, corn, thyme, allspice, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes.
    • Add the tomato paste and soy sauce. Mix well, then pour in the vegetable broth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the potato is tender and the mixture is thick, not watery.
    • Remove from heat. Stir in the scallions and cilantro. Cool filling completely before assembling patties.
  3. Shape and fill the patties:

    • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
    • Use a bowl or cutter (about 5-6 inches wide) to cut out circles. Gather scraps and re-roll as needed.
    • Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of cooled filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edge.
    • Brush edges lightly with water. Fold dough over to form a half-moon, pressing edges to seal. Crimp with a fork.
  4. Bake:

    • Place patties on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with a little olive oil or plant-based milk for shine (optional).
    • Bake for 22-25 minutes, until golden and crisp.
    • Cool for 5 minutes before serving—filling will be hot!

Tips & Variations

  • Make-ahead tip: Freeze unbaked patties on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to baking time.

  • Spice level: Adjust the heat by using more or less scotch bonnet, or substitute with milder peppers for a kid-friendly version.
  • Gluten-free option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in the pastry.
  • Add beans: For extra protein, mix 1/2 cup cooked black beans or lentils into the filling.
  • Change up the veggies: Try adding sweet potato, spinach, or zucchini for a twist.
  • Short on time? Use store-bought pie dough (vegan as needed) to speed up the process.

For more simple, tasty vegan recipes, check out our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals and Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade for more kitchen inspiration!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Patty (approximate)
Calories 210
Fat 9g
Saturated Fat 2g
Carbohydrates 29g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 4g
Protein 4g
Sodium 320mg

Note: Nutrition will vary based on your pastry and filling choices. This estimate assumes 1 of 8 patties per batch.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm, straight from the oven, with a side of tangy mango chutney or your favorite hot sauce.
  • Pair with a fresh green salad for a light lunch.
  • Enjoy as part of a Caribbean-inspired meal alongside rice and peas or fried plantains.
  • Pack into lunchboxes or picnic baskets—they’re perfect finger food!
  • For a party, make mini patties as appetizers—just cut smaller circles and reduce baking time by a few minutes.

For more creative plant-based meals, explore our Vegetarian Caviar Recipe: Easy, Elegant, and Delicious and Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious for unique ideas!

Conclusion

Jamaican vegetable patties are a celebration of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and irresistible textures. Whether you grew up enjoying these savory pastries or are trying them for the first time, making them at home is a rewarding way to connect with Caribbean culinary heritage.

The golden, flaky crust and hearty, spiced vegetable filling are a match made in food heaven—satisfying as a snack, lunch, or even a casual dinner.

Homemade patties are also wonderfully adaptable. You can adjust the spice, swap in your favorite veggies, or even add a protein boost with beans or lentils.

Best of all, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, or for stocking your freezer for a busy week ahead. Give this recipe a try, and let the taste of Jamaica brighten your table!

📖 Recipe Card: Jamaican Vegetable Patty

Description: A flaky, golden pastry filled with a savory mix of seasoned vegetables and spices. Enjoy this classic Jamaican street food as a snack or light meal.

Prep Time: PT25M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 8 patties

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup ice water
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup cooked potato, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, curry powder, turmeric, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Add ice water gradually, mixing until dough forms. Chill for 20 minutes.
  5. Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  6. Add carrot, peas, potato, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 5 minutes.
  7. Roll out dough and cut into 8 circles.
  8. Spoon vegetable filling onto each circle. Fold over and seal edges.
  9. Place patties on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
  10. Cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 29g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Jamaican Vegetable Patty”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flaky, golden pastry filled with a savory mix of seasoned vegetables and spices. Enjoy this classic Jamaican street food as a snack or light meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT25M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “8 patties”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed”, “1/4 cup ice water”, “1 tablespoon curry powder”, “1 teaspoon turmeric”, “1 tablespoon vegetable oil”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 medium carrot, diced”, “1/2 cup frozen peas”, “1/2 cup cooked potato, diced”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix flour, curry powder, turmeric, and a pinch of salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ice water gradually, mixing until dough forms. Chill for 20 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a skillet. Saut\u00e9 onion and garlic until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrot, peas, potato, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roll out dough and cut into 8 circles.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spoon vegetable filling onto each circle. Fold over and seal edges.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place patties on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cool slightly before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220”, “proteinContent”: “4g”, “fatContent”: “10g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “29g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X