Caribbean Beef and Potato Pasty (Trinidad Aloo Pie)

Check out rich flavours of Caribbean Food with this authentic Aloo Pie recipe, a delectable Pie with Beef and potato filling. Renowned as a staple in Caribbean street food, this beef hand pie is a perfect dish that embodies the essence of the tropical islands.

To craft this savoury treat, the beef is marinated and slow-cooked to perfection before being enveloped in a crisp dough, ready for shallow frying. Drawing inspiration from Trinidad’s unique fusion of African, Creole, and Indian culinary traditions, this dish stands out in its flavour profile. Enjoy Cooking!

When you finish with this recipe I recommend you to check out my other Caribbean Cuisine Recipes. Especially my favourite Jamaican Lamb Curry.

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Close-up view of a halved Aloo Beef Pie stacked, showcasing its savoury beef and potato filling, a staple in Caribbean Food.



Trinidad Aloo Pie: A Culinary Gem from the Caribbean

Introduction to the Beef and Potato Pie

Ever walked the lively streets of Trinidad and been drawn to a delicious aroma? Chances are, you were smelling the famous Aloo Pie. This street food favourite is more than just a Beef and Potato Pie; it’s a bite of the Caribbean’s soul. Simple yet bursting with flavour, it’s no wonder both locals and travellers can’t get enough of it. Whether you’re grabbing one on-the-go or sitting down to savour it, this pie is a true taste of Trinidad’s vibrant culture.

The Essence of the Aloo Pie

At its core, the Aloo Pie is a delectable fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes and, often, flavourful beef. The name “Aloo” is derived from the Hindi word for potato, pointing to its primary filling and hinting at its historical roots.

Influences from Various Cuisines

Much like the broader Caribbean, Trinidad Cuisine actively reflects a vibrant fusion of the diverse cultures that have made the island their home. As the years rolled by, Trinidad warmly welcomed a myriad of African, Indian, European, and Chinese immigrants. Naturally, each group infused the local culinary scene with their unique traditions.

Now, when you delve into the Aloo Pie, the Indian influence unmistakably stands out. East Indian indentured laborers, arriving in Trinidad during the 19th century, introduced the traditional “samosa,” a pastry filled with savoury delights. From this, the Aloo Pie emerged, drawing inspiration from the samosa but tailoring it to the distinctive Trinidadian palate.

Yet, it’s not just the Indian touch that defines this dish. Indeed, the rich flavours of African and Creole cuisines seamlessly blend within it. Every spice, the inclusion of beef, and even the cooking techniques all testify to the harmonious melding of these varied culinary heritages.



How to prepare delicious Aloo Beef Pies:

Caribbean Beef and Potato Pasty (Trinidad Aloo Pie)

Discover the Caribbean's Trinidad Aloo Pie—a savoury beef & potato pasty, a tropical street food favourite.
Prep Time2 hours
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 300kcal
Author: Chef Lukasz

Rate my Recipe 🙂

5 from 3 votes

Ingredients:

Ingredients for the marinade:

  • 0.9 lbs Beef Shin - (400g) small dice (or other stewing cut)
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper
  • 2 Scallions - sliced and washed
  • 1 handful Cilantro - (Coriander)
  • 1 Tomato, medium size - diced
  • 1 tbsp Ketchup
  • 1 tsp Mild Curry Powder
  • ½ Lime, juice only

Ingredients for the Aloo filling:

  • 3.5 oz Peas - (100g)
  • 14 oz Potatoes, waxy type - (400g) peeled and cut in small dice (keep them in water until needed)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • tbsp Mild Curry Powder
  • 1 Red chilli - small dice
  • 3 Garlic clove - minced
  • 1 Onion, medium size - sliced
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 1 Beef stock cube
  • cups Water - (600ml)

Ingredients for the Aloo pastry:

Instructions:

Instructions for the Aloo Pie filling:

  • To start off, marinate the beef with a blend of salt, pepper, spring onions, coriander, tomato, ketchup, curry powder and lime juice. You may choose to marinate the beef overnight or just before cooking.
    Close-up of a bowl containing marinated beef for Aloo Beef Pie, surrounded by fresh ingredients like tomatoes, spring onions, and spices, showcasing the preparation process for a classic Caribbean food dish.
  • In a frying pan, heat 3 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Introduce onion, garlic, and chili, cooking until they turn golden-brown, around 5 minutes. Incorporate the curry powder and ground cumin, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Pour in 4tbsp of water, allowing it to evaporate completely over the next 5 minutes.
  • Incorporate the marinated beef into the pan, mixing thoroughly. Cover the pan, reduce the heat, and simmer for 35 minutes.
    Close-up of marinated beef simmering in a pan, being prepared for a Caribbean Aloo Beef Pie recipe.
  • As the beef continues to cook, introduce potatoes and water, peas, followed by a beef stock cube. Allow it to come to a boil before reducing to a simmer. Continue cooking uncovered for about 50 minutes or until it thickens and most of the water evaporates. Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly. Once done, transfer to a large plate, spreading it out to expedite cooling and ease handling.
    Photo showing marinated beef and potatoes cooking in a pan for a Caribbean Aloo Beef Pie recipe.

Instructions for the pastry and assembly:

  • Begin dough preparation by combining sieved flour with baking powder, salt, turmeric, and cardamom. Knead this mixture into a ball, cover, and let it rest for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  • Dust your workspace with flour, dividing the dough into 8 even balls. Roll each into approximately 10cm diameter circles. Spoon the beef mixture into each circle's centre, sealing by folding and pinching the edges. Moistening the edges may aid in ensuring they adhere.
    Step-by-step preparation of Aloo Beef Pie, showcasing seasoned beef and potato filling encased in fresh dough, prepped for frying.
  • Position the pies on a cloth, potentially covering them with another cloth to retain moisture.
  • Preheat oil in a pan to 374℉ (190℃) in readiness for shallow frying. Fry each pie for about a minute on each side. After frying, drain excess oil by placing the pies on paper towels.
    Step-by-step photo of a Caribbean Aloo Beef Pie being shallow-fried, showcasing its golden brown crust and delicious beef and potato filling inside the pan.
  • Once all pies are cooked, serve them with mango chutney, salad, and dressing of your choice for a complete meal experience. Enjoy!
    Close-up of freshly made Aloo Beef Pies garnished with coriander on a wooden board. One pie is cut open, revealing its flavourful beef and potato filling. A side dish of vibrant mango chutney accompanies the pies.

Notes:

  • Dough Resting: Allowing the dough to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes is a crucial step in relaxing the gluten structure. This enhances the stretchiness of the dough, making it easier to roll out to the desired shape. Keep in mind that the dough may expand slightly during the cooking process.
  • Marination Time: Marinating the beef overnight allows the flavours to meld and penetrate the meat more deeply. However, if you’re short on time, marinating just before cooking will still give you a flavourful result.
  • Dough Consistency: The dough should be smooth and pliable, not sticky. If it’s too dry, add a bit of water. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
  • Frying Tips: Ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature before frying the pies. Too hot, and they’ll brown too quickly without cooking through. Too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
  • Healthier Version: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can bake the pies instead of frying them. Brush them with a bit of oil and bake until golden brown.

Nutrition:

Serving: 250g | Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g
Close-up view of a halved Aloo Beef Pie stacked, showcasing its savoury beef and potato filling, a staple in Caribbean Food.

Few words from Chef

I trust you enjoyed making my Trinidad Aloo Pie recipe! I’m eager to hear your feedback on this culinary journey. Drawing inspiration from the heart of Caribbean Cuisine, this dish aims to recreate the essence of Trinidad street food flavors. Did it transport you to the bustling streets of the Caribbean with every bite? Thanks for trying it out!

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4 responses to “Caribbean Beef and Potato Pasty (Trinidad Aloo Pie)”

  1. This looks wonderful.
    Can one bake rather than pan fry in oil?

    1. Yes they can be baked, brush with a little bit of oil to make them more crispy, I would also recommend to turn them halfway during baking. I hope this helps 🙂

  2. 5 stars
    these turned out so good!

    1. Awesome, thanks for dropping a feedback 🙂👍

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