Meat pies are savory pastries filled with meat and often combined with vegetables, gravy, or spices. They can be made with various types of meat, such as beef, pork, chicken, or lamb, and are typically encased in a flaky pastry crust. Meat pies are popular in many cultures and can be served as a main dish or a snack. They are often baked until golden brown and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Some well-known variations include Australian meat pies and British steak and kidney pies.
Here’s a classic recipe for meat pies:
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or minced meat of your choice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 cup diced carrots (optional)
For the Pastry:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens. If using, add peas and carrots, and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the Pastry:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the diced butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two balls, flatten them into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Assemble the Pies:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles to fit your pie tins.
- Place the dough circles into the tins and fill with the meat mixture.
- Roll out the second disk of dough, cut out circles for the tops, and place them over the filled pies. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Cut small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade meat pies!
Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or spices!