Meat Pie
If you’re craving a hearty and comforting dish, look no further than a classic meat pie. This beloved recipe is packed with flavorful meat and vegetables, all encased in a golden, flaky pastry. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this meat pie will surely become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the step-by-step process to create this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients
– 500g ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup peas
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package of puff pastry
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. Note that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
- Line a pie dish with half of the pastry, leaving excess hanging over the edges.
- Fill the pastry with the meat mixture evenly.
- Cover with the second pastry layer, sealing the edges. Cut slits for steam to escape.
- Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarians can use mushrooms and lentils for a hearty filling. Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance flavor.
Serving and Pairings
Serve your meat pie with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad. A dollop of gravy or a tangy chutney can add an extra layer of flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results. Meat pie can also be frozen before baking; just thaw and bake when ready to serve.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the meat can lead to dryness.
- Not sealing the edges properly may cause filling to leak.
- Using too much liquid in the filling can make the crust soggy.
- Forgetting to cut steam vents can result in a soggy top.
- Not preheating the oven can affect cooking time.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the pastry before rolling for easier handling.
- Let the filling cool before assembling the pie.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry for clean edges.
- Experiment with different fillings for variety.
FAQs
Can I make meat pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and pastry in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
What type of meat is best for meat pie?
Ground beef is traditional, but you can use any ground meat or a combination for different flavors.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Ensure your filling isn’t too wet, and consider pre-baking the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling.
Can I freeze meat pie?
Yes, you can freeze an unbaked meat pie. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
What can I serve with meat pie?
Meat pie pairs well with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Meat pie is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With its savory filling and flaky crust, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this dish with family and friends for a truly delightful experience.
Meat Pie
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package of puff pastry
- 1 egg for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
- Line a pie dish with half of the pastry, leaving excess hanging over the edges.
- Fill the pastry with the meat mixture evenly.
- Cover with the second pastry layer, sealing the edges. Cut slits for steam to escape.
- Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
