How to Make Meat Pies
Meat pies are a hearty and delicious meal option that date back centuries. This savory dish consists of a flaky, buttery crust filled with a seasoned mixture of meat and vegetables. Making meat pies may seem intimidating, but by following this easy step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of scrumptious meat pies in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 6 tablespoons cold water
– 1 pound ground beef or other ground meat
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1/4 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until pea-sized crumbs form. Gradually add the cold water and mix until the dough starts to come together (you may not need all six tablespoons). Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add onions and cook until they start to soften. Then stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add diced carrots to the skillet and continue cooking for another five minutes.
6. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, along with the frozen peas, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. While the filling is simmering, roll out your refrigerated dough on a lightly-floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a round cutter or large glass, cut circles from the dough to fit your desired baking molds or individual pie tins.
8. Place the dough circles into your baking molds or pie tins, pressing gently down and up the sides. Fill each with an equal amount of meat filling.
9. Roll out any remaining dough and cut smaller circles for the top crusts of your pies. Place them on top of the filling and pinch the edges to seal.
10. Brush the beaten egg over the top crusts of your meat pies (this helps them turn golden brown when baking).
11. Bake your meat pies in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
12. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
And there you have it – homemade meat pies made easy! Perfect for a family dinner, gathering with friends, or just as a comforting meal for one. Enjoy!