Nigerian Meat Pie is one of the most beloved snacks in West Africa. It is a savory, flaky pastry filled with a delicious mixture of minced meat, potatoes, and carrots. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, Nigerian Meat Pie is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food. The rich, buttery crust combined with the flavorful, spiced filling makes it an irresistible treat. In this post, we will take you through a step-by-step...
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Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
Add the minced beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned.
Stir in the diced potatoes and carrots, followed by the curry powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
Add the beef broth and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir to thicken the filling. Cook for another 2 minutes and set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the diced butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it forms a crumbly texture.
Gradually add cold water, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.
Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles from the dough.
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle.
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
Press the edges with a fork to seal and create a decorative pattern.
Beat an egg and brush it over the top of the pies for a golden finish.
Place the prepared meat pies on the baking tray.
Bake for 30–40 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Use cold butter and water to ensure a flaky crust.
Do not overwork the dough to prevent a tough texture.
Let the filling cool completely before stuffing the pies to avoid a soggy crust.
Brush with egg wash for a beautiful golden color.
Make ahead and freeze unbaked pies for later baking.
How do I make Nigerian Meat Pie from scratch?
To make Nigerian Meat Pie from scratch, start by preparing the filling with minced meat, diced potatoes, and carrots, seasoned with spices like curry powder and thyme. For the crust, mix flour, baking powder, and salt, then rub in cold butter until crumbly. Add cold water to form a dough, chill it, roll it out, and cut into circles. Fill with the meat mixture, seal, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
Can I make Nigerian Meat Pie vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian or vegan version of Nigerian Meat Pie by substituting the minced meat with a mixture of lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and replace the egg wash with a plant-based alternative like almond milk or aquafaba for a golden finish.
What are the best storage tips for Nigerian Meat Pie?
To store Nigerian Meat Pie, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
What can I serve with Nigerian Meat Pie?
Nigerian Meat Pie pairs wonderfully with a side of spicy pepper sauce or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce made from ketchup mixed with hot sauce for an extra kick. It's perfect for parties, picnics, or as a quick snack on its own!
What are some common substitutions for ingredients in Nigerian Meat Pie?
If you don't have all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour as a substitute. For the filling, ground turkey or chicken can replace minced beef. If you’re out of curry powder, you can use garam masala or a mix of cumin and coriander for a different flavor profile.
