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Haitian Beef Patties (Pâtés Haïtiens)

Yields12 Servings

Haitian patties are distinct from Jamaican patties. Instead of a flaky crust, they have a soft, puffy, laminated dough similar to croissant pastry. The filling is savory, well-seasoned, and deeply comforting—ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or make-ahead snacks.
Dough
 3 cups all-purpose flour
 1 tsp salt
 1 cup cold water
 1 cup vegetable shortening
 ¼ cup butter, softened
Beef Filling
 1 lb ground beef
 2 shallots, chopped
 2 onion, diced
 1 clove garlic, chopped
 1 pinch chile powder (or to taste)
 1 tbsp beef broth
For Assembly
 1 egg yolk, beaten (for egg wash)
Make the Dough
1

  • Place flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add water and salt.

 

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2

  • Mix gently with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together.

 

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3

  • Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

 

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4

  • In a small bowl, mix the shortening and butter until smooth.

 

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5

  • On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.

 

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6

  • Spread half of the shortening mixture over the dough.

 

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7

  • Fold one side into the center, spread the remaining shortening on top, then fold the other side over it like a letter.

 

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8

  • Roll again into a ¼-inch-thick rectangle and fold into thirds.

 

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9

  • Repeat the rolling and folding one more time

 

10

  1. Wrap the dough tightly and chill for 8 hours or overnight.

Prepare the Filling
11

  • Using a mortar and pestle (or food processor), pound the shallots, parsley, garlic, and chile powder into a paste.

 

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12

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

 

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13

  • Stir in the shallot paste, diced onion, and beef broth.

 

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14

  • Cover and cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.

 

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15

  1. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assemble the Patties
16

  • Place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

 

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17

  • Roll the chilled dough to about ½-inch thick.

 

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18

  • Cut into 2½-inch circles.

 

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19

  • Spoon about 1⅓ tablespoons of beef filling onto one side of each circle.

 

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20

  • Fold over and lightly press the edges to seal.

 

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21

Arrange patties on a baking sheet and brush tops and edges with beaten egg yolk.

Bake
22

  • Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, until puffy.

 

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23

Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and continue baking for 20 minutes, until golden brown.

Cook’s Notes
24

  • These patties can also be filled with seasoned chicken or ground turkey.

  • For parties, they can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven.

 

  • The pan of water in the oven helps create steam, contributing to the puffed texture.

Nutrition Facts

12 servings

Serving size

1


Amount per serving
Calories386
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 30g39%

Saturated Fat 9g45%
Cholesterol 51mg17%
Sodium 251mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 27g10%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 10g

Vitamin C 2mg3%
Iron -1mg-5%
Potassium 171mg4%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.