The Story
February 23 was Patty Day in Toronto, a day celebrating the famous Jamaican handheld snack. Not able to travel to Toronto’s Little Jamaica, in Eglinton West, or to Kensington Market to celebrate by enjoying way too many beef patties, I decided to make my own at home! Toronto’s Patty Day celebrates more than just the tasty bright yellow meat pies popular in Jamaica and whatever countries were lucky enough to accept Jamaican newcomers, it celebrates a special day in history. On February 23, 1985, Jamaican and Caribbean Torontonians won the Patty Wars, an ongoing battle with the government. Before that, municipally-backed federal food inspectors made an arbitrary decision that a ‘patty’ described a hamburger patty and nothing else. They cracked down on vendors selling Jamaican patties, forcing the issue with people of colour and suspiciously no where else. The community fought back and vendors entered negotiations with the government to protect the beloved food that has played an important role in Jamaican history from the very beginning. On February 23, 1985 they won and were able to keep proudly calling the delicious pastries their rightful title: the Jamaican Beef Patty. Jamaican patties are made up of a buttery and flaky pastry crust, dyed yellow with curry powder and turmeric (or egg yolks) and stuffed with a highly spiced and saucy meat mixture. You can find lots of different types of patties these days, including chicken, cheese, fish, and vegetarian. I gave mine a wild twist and used ground venison in the stuffing, which played wonderfully with the other ingredients: spices, Scotch bonnet chilies, garlic, and onions. They turned out super flaky and delicious; so much so that I couldn’t stop eating them! I served them with a colourful lime and cilantro slaw and ate them so fresh out of the oven that I had to toss them back and forth from hand to hand like a hot potato. Celebrate Jamaican food, history, and overcoming racial oppression via red tape by enjoying these delicious snacks! www.theintrepideater.com