A delicious and savory Nigerian meat pie filled with ground beef, vegetables, and spices, encased in a flaky pastry.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1tbspcornstarch
- 120mLwater
- 3tbspvegetable oil
- 250gground beef
- Kosher salt
- 50gyellow onion, finely diced
- 120gYukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 75gcarrot, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
- 1tspNigerian-style curry powder
- 1tspdried thyme
- 235mLNigerian-style stock or water
- 50ggreen bell pepper, finely chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the Dough
- 160gall-purpose flour
- 30gwhole wheat flour
- 1tspDiamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1/2tspbaking powder
- 90gunsalted butter, cold
- 1piecelarge egg, lightly beaten
- 60mLice-cold water
To Assemble and Bake
- 1piecelarge egg yolk, lightly beaten
- 15mLmilk
How to make Nigerian Meat Pie
Prepare the Beef Filling
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt. Cook until browned.
Add the diced onion, potatoes, and carrot to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the curry powder and thyme. Cook for another minute.
Add the stock or water and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the filling thickens.
Add the green bell pepper and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and baking powder.
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the beaten egg and ice-cold water. Mix until the dough comes together. Add more water if needed.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Assemble and Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into circles using a round cutter.
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.
Place the meat pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the tops with the beaten egg yolk and milk mixture.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Tricks
Make sure the butter is cold when preparing the dough to achieve a flaky texture.
You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it to save time.
FAQS
What is the cooking process for making Nigerian meat pie?
To make Nigerian meat pie, start by cooking ground beef with diced onions, potatoes, and carrots in a skillet until browned and tender. Add spices like Nigerian-style curry powder and thyme, then mix in stock or water and a cornstarch mixture to thicken the filling. After cooling the filling, prepare a flaky pastry dough using all-purpose and whole wheat flour, cold butter, and ice-cold water. Roll out the dough, fill it with the meat mixture, seal, and bake until golden brown.
Are there any dietary substitutions for Nigerian meat pie?
Yes, if you're looking for dietary substitutions for Nigerian meat pie, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or beans. Additionally, you can use gluten-free flour to make the pastry dough if you're avoiding gluten.
How should I store leftover Nigerian meat pie?
To store leftover Nigerian meat pie, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the meat pies. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What are some good side dishes to pair with Nigerian meat pie?
Nigerian meat pie pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, such as a cucumber and tomato salad, or a side of jollof rice for a more filling meal. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce or a side of coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.
Can I make the pastry dough ahead of time for Nigerian meat pie?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pastry dough for Nigerian meat pie ahead of time. After mixing the ingredients, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. If you want to make it even further in advance, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling it out.
Loading reviews...
Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia