Nigerian Meat Pie recipe

Nigerian Meat Pie

by @cookingwithamy
Prep Time
2hr
Cook Time
1hr
Total Time
3hr

A delicious and savory Nigerian meat pie filled with ground beef, vegetables, and spices, encased in a flaky pastry.

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 meat pie)

For the Beef Filling

  • 1tbsp
    cornstarch
  • 120mL
    water
  • 3tbsp
    vegetable oil
  • 250g
    ground beef
  • Kosher salt
  • 50g
    yellow onion, finely diced
  • 120g
    Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 75g
    carrot, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 1tsp
    Nigerian-style curry powder
  • 1tsp
    dried thyme
  • 235mL
    Nigerian-style stock or water
  • 50g
    green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • Freshly ground black pepper

For the Dough

  • 160g
    all-purpose flour
  • 30g
    whole wheat flour
  • 1tsp
    Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • 1/2tsp
    baking powder
  • 90g
    unsalted butter, cold
  • 1piece
    large egg, lightly beaten
  • 60mL
    ice-cold water

To Assemble and Bake

  • 1piece
    large egg yolk, lightly beaten
  • 15mL
    milk

How to make Nigerian Meat Pie

Prepare the Beef Filling

  1. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth.

    Step 1.1: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt. Cook until browned.

    Step 1.1: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat
  3. Add the diced onion, potatoes, and carrot to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

  4. Stir in the curry powder and thyme. Cook for another minute.

  5. Add the stock or water and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the filling thickens.

  6. Add the green bell pepper and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

    Step 1.1: Add the green bell pepper and freshly ground black pepper

Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and baking powder.

    Step 2.1: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and baking powder
  2. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

    Step 2.1: Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs
  3. Add the beaten egg and ice-cold water. Mix until the dough comes together. Add more water if needed.

  4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

    Step 2.1: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes

Assemble and Bake

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into circles using a round cutter.

    Step 3.1: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness
  3. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork.

    Step 3.1: Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle
  4. Place the meat pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    Step 3.1: Place the meat pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  5. Brush the tops with the beaten egg yolk and milk mixture.

    Step 3.1: Brush the tops with the beaten egg yolk and milk mixture
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

    Step 3.1: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown

Tips & Tricks

  1. Make sure the butter is cold when preparing the dough to achieve a flaky texture.

  2. You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it to save time.