Meat pie is a savory and delicious pastry filled with seasoned minced meat and vegetables. It’s a popular snack enjoyed around the world, and making it at home is easier than you might think. Follow these 12 easy steps to bake your own tasty meat pie:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice-cold water
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or minced meat
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 medium-sized potato (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium-sized carrot (peeled and diced)
- 1/2 cup frozen green peas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold and cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Add Ice-Cold Water
Gradually add the ice-cold water to the flour-butter mixture. Mix with a fork until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: Form a Disc
Gather the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disc shape. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let it rest.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is resting, prepare the meat pie filling. In a skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions become translucent.
Step 6: Cook the Minced Meat
Add the ground beef or minced meat to the pan with the onions. Cook and stir until the meat is browned and fully cooked.
Step 7: Add Vegetables and Spices
Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and frozen green peas to the cooked meat. Stir in the thyme, curry powder, paprika or cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for a few more minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 8: Let the Filling Cool
Remove the pan from the heat and let the meat and vegetable filling cool completely.
Step 9: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 10: Roll out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles for the meat pies.
Step 11: Fill and Seal the Meat Pies
Place a spoonful of the cooled meat and vegetable filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges of the dough with water, then fold the dough over to enclose the filling and form a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal the pies.
Step 12: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the top of each meat pie with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown.
Conclusion
Making meat pies is a fun and satisfying process that results in a scrumptious and savory treat. With these 12 easy steps, you can bake your own delectable meat pies filled with flavorful minced meat and vegetables. Enjoy them as a delightful snack or share them with family and friends at gatherings and events. So, get ready to savor the deliciousness of freshly baked meat pies!
