top of page

Trinidad Aloo Beef Pie with Nut Lettuce Salad & Herby Yoghurt

Updated: Mar 25

Hey there foodies! How about trying out a delicious Caribbean potato and beef pie? This tasty treat is perfect for any occasion and can be easily picked up from street food vendors on the tropical islands.


To make this mouth-watering dish, start by marinating and slow-cooking the beef. Then prepare the dough which is easy to make and can be cooked by shallow frying.


This recipe takes inspiration from the unique blend of African, Creole and Indian flavours found in Trinidad cuisine. And don't forget to serve it up with a crunchy nut lettuce salad and delicate herby yogurt for the perfect balance of flavours. So, get ready to cook up a storm and enjoy the taste of the Caribbean!



As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.


This recipe serves: 4 portions

Marinating time: 0-24 hours

Preparation and cooking time: around 2,5h


Ingredients for filling:


  • 14oz Beef stewing cut, small dice (I used shin) (400g)

  • 1/2tsp salt

  • 1/2tsp black pepper

  • 2 spring onions sliced

  • 0.4oz fresh coriander chopped (14g)

  • 1 medium tomato diced

  • 1tbsp ketchup

  • 1tsp mild curry powder

  • 1/2 lime juice

 

  • 3.5oz peas (100g)

  • 14oz of waxy potatoes, peeled and cut in small dice (keep them in water until needed) (400g)

  • 1tsp cumin

  • 1,5tbsp madras powder

  • 1 red chilli small dice, seeds removed

  • 3 garlic cloves minced

  • 1 medium onion sliced

  • 3tbsp of vegetable oil

  • 1 beef stock cube

  • 0.63 quarts of water (600ml)


Ingredients for the pastry:



Ingredients for the salad and dressing:


  • 5.3oz of thick yoghurt (150g)

  • a handful of dill finely chopped

  • a handful of parsley finely chopped

  • 1 garlic clove minced

  • half of the red onion sliced

  • two tomatoes cut in wedges

  • 2.8oz of nut lettuce (corn salad) (80g)

  • mango chutney


How to prepare Trinidad Aloo Beef Pie:


1. 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.



2. Heat 3 tbsp of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and chili, and cook until it starts to turn golden brown, which should take around 5 minutes. Add the madras powder and ground cumin, and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Then, add 60ml of water and cook for an additional 5 minutes until all the liquid has evaporated.


3. Add the marinated beef to the pan and stir everything together. Cover the pan with a lid, turn down the heat, and let it cook for 35 minutes.



4. While the beef is cooking, prepare the dough by mixing sieved flour with baking powder, salt, turmeric, and cardamom. Knead the mixture into a ball and cover it, allowing it to rest for at least 30 minutes.


5. Once the beef has been cooking for a while, add potatoes and water to the pot, followed by a beef stock cube. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for around 50 minutes, until the mixture is thick and almost all of the water has evaporated. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Once it's done, transfer the mixture to a large plate, spreading it out to help it cool down quickly and make it easier to work with.



6. While you wait, you can prepare the salad and yoghurt dressing.


7. Next, dust your work surface with some flour and divide the dough into 8 equal-sized balls. Roll each ball out into circles with a diameter of approximately 10cm. Then, place the beef mixture in the centre of each circle and seal by folding and pinching the edges together. You may find it easier to wet the edges to help the dough stick together.



8. Arrange all the pies on a cloth in preparation for cooking. You may cover them with another cloth to prevent them from drying out.


9. Next, heat the oil in a pan to a temperature of 190C (374F) in preparation for shallow frying. Fry one pie at a time for approximately one minute, then carefully flip it over to cook the other side for the same amount of time. Once ready, place the pie on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. I personally set my cooker to almost the highest setting for optimal frying.



10. Once all the pies are cooked and prepared, serve them alongside some delicious mango chutney, salad, and dressing.


Cooking Tips:


  • 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.


FAQs and Variations for this recipe:


  • Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use any cut of beef that is suitable for slow cooking.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to use it.

  • Can I bake the pies instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the pies in a preheated oven at 350F (180C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

  • Can I freeze the pies? Yes, you can freeze the pies before frying them. When you're ready to eat them, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight and then fry them as per the recipe instructions.

  • Can I substitute the beef for another protein? Yes, you can use chicken or lamb instead of beef, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

  • Can I adjust the spice level of the recipe? Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili or curry powder to your liking.


Variations:


  • Vegetarian Potato and Chickpea Pie - Replace the beef with chickpeas and add more vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and peas to make a delicious vegetarian version of this recipe. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock to maintain the vegetarian theme.

  • Spicy Beef and Potato Pie - Add some heat to the dish by increasing the amount of red chili, or adding a few more spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or garam masala to the beef filling.

  • Sweet Potato and Black Bean Pie - Replace the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes and the beef with black beans for a healthier and vegan version of this recipe. Add some chopped kale or spinach to increase the nutritional value of the dish.

  • Jerk Chicken and Potato Pie - Replace the beef with jerk chicken, a popular Caribbean dish. Marinate the chicken with jerk seasoning and lime juice for at least an hour before cooking. Serve with a side of mango salsa to enhance the flavours of the dish.

  • Coconut Curry Potato and Beef Pie - Add coconut milk to the beef mixture and increase the amount of curry powder to make a creamy and flavourful curry filling. Top the pies with some chopped cilantro for added freshness.


From the Chef


Subscribe to my recipe website for new, delicious recipes and tips straight from my kitchen to yours. Check out my Instagram page for behind-the-scenes glimpses of my culinary adventures. And don't forget to leave a comment below to share your opinion about the recipe!


Head to my homepage now to view all of the latest recipes and find something that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, there's something for everyone. Don't wait, subscribe, follow, and visit today!



Check out my other recipes:




540 views0 comments
bottom of page