Meat Pie Recipe
A hearty and satisfying dish, Meat Pie combines savory minced meat with tender vegetables, all wrapped in a golden, buttery dough. Perfect for any occasion, this comfort food is a crowd-pleaser, balancing savory flavors with a crispy, flaky crust. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a gathering, or simply craving something warm and filling, this recipe will not disappoint.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 500g minced meat (beef, lamb, or a mixture)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup of water or broth (chicken or beef for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup margarine (or butter for a richer flavor)
- 1 egg (for glazing)
- Cold water (as needed to form dough)
Instructions
For the Filling:
- In a large pan, cook the minced meat over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced potatoes to the pan. Stir occasionally to ensure the vegetables begin to soften and meld with the meat.
- Pour in the water or broth, season generously with salt and pepper, and let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender, and the mixture thickens. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool down slightly before using it in the pie.
For the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and margarine. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the margarine into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. You may need about ½ cup to ¾ cup of water, but it depends on the flour type and humidity, so add sparingly.
- Knead the dough gently on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up slightly before rolling out.
Assembling the Meat Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a round cutter (or a cup), cut out circles large enough to hold a generous spoonful of filling.
- Place a spoonful of the prepared meat filling in the center of each dough round.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together firmly to seal the pie.
- Place each assembled pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a beaten egg to give them a beautiful, golden glaze.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Allergen Information:
- Contains gluten (from the flour in the dough)
- Contains dairy (margarine or butter)
- Contains egg (for glazing)
Dietary Preferences:
- Suitable for omnivores
- Not suitable for those following a gluten-free or vegan diet due to the use of flour, margarine, and egg.
Tips & Advice:
- You can make the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making the pie assembly even quicker.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling for extra flavor.
- For a healthier version, you can swap out margarine with olive oil, though the texture of the crust may be slightly different.
- Leftover meat pie can be stored in an airtight container and reheated the next day. The pies will remain delicious, though the crust may not be as flaky after reheating.
Conclusion:
This Meat Pie recipe delivers on both flavor and comfort, providing a filling meal in a convenient, handheld package. With tender meat, vegetables, and a buttery crust, it’s a recipe that can be enjoyed year-round, whether it’s a cozy meal at home or part of a festive gathering. The step-by-step process ensures that even novice bakers can enjoy the success of creating a delicious pie from scratch. So why not give it a try? You might just find that Meat Pie becomes a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!
