USVI Pates (Fried Turnovers)

About This Recipe

Pates (pah-tays) are the beloved street food of the US Virgin Islands. Thin pastry dough is folded around a savoury filling, then deep-fried until golden. They are sold from roadside stands and at every local gathering.

Ingredients

Serves 8

• 2 cupsall-purpose flour
• ½ cupcold water
• 3 tbspbutter or shortening
• 300 gground beef or minced conch
• 1 tspgarlic powder
• oilvegetable oil(for frying)

Instructions

1. 1

   Make pastry

   Rub butter into flour until crumbly. Add cold water gradually and knead to a smooth dough. Rest 15 minutes.

2. 2

   Cook filling

   Brown meat with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cool completely.

3. 3

   Shape pates

   Roll dough thin and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of filling on each half, fold over, and crimp edges firmly.

4. 4

   Fry

   Deep-fry at 180 °C for 3–4 minutes until golden brown on both sides. Drain and serve hot.

   Seal edges well or filling will leak.

Variations

• •

  Fill with saltfish and onions.

• •

  Add shredded cheese to the beef filling.

Storage

Best fresh; reheat in an oven or air-fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions