Patties | පැටිස්

Delight in the savory goodness of Sri Lankan Patties, a culinary delight with a rich history. These delightful pastries trace their origins to the Sri Lankan Tamil community, who brought their unique flavors to the island. Our patties feature a flaky pastry shell lovingly filled with a tantalizing blend of spiced vegetables, potatoes, and your choice of minced chicken or beef. The filling is prepared by sautéing a flavorful medley of onions, garlic, and aromatic spices, creating a fragrant mixture that encapsulates the essence of Sri Lankan cuisine. Baked to perfection, our patties offer a crispy exterior and a sumptuous, flavorful interior that will leave you craving for more.

Ingredients:
For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
• Ice-cold water, as needed
  For the Filling:
• 300 grams ground beef or chicken
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 potato, boiled and mashed
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (optional)
  For Assembling and Frying:
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
  Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt for the dough. Add the diced
   cold butter and mix it into the flour using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse
   crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice-cold water, a few tablespoons at a time, and mix until the dough comes
   together. Be careful not to overmix. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap,
   and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and
   minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add the grated carrot, boiled and mashed potato, and green peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for a
   few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
5. Sprinkle curry powder, turmeric powder, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander,
   and salt over the vegetables. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
6. Add the ground beef or chicken to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon,
   until it is browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
7. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Using a
   round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough.
9. Place a spoonful of the cooled filling onto one side of each dough circle. Optionally, sprinkle
   some chopped fresh coriander leaves over the filling for added flavor.
10. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press and seal the
    edges of the patties.
11. Place the assembled patties onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the patties
    with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
12. Bake the patties in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden
    brown and crispy.
13. Alternatively, for a more traditional method, you can deep fry the assembled patties in hot
    oil until they are golden brown and crispy.
14. Remove the patties from the oven or oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to
    drain excess oil.
15. Serve the Sri Lankan Patties hot as a snack or appetizer. They can be enjoyed on their own
    or with a dipping sauce of your choice.
    Enjoy your unique and delicious Sri Lankan Patties!