Nigerian meat pies

Introduction

Nigerian meat pies are a beloved snack filled with a curry-spiced mixture of ground beef, onions, carrots, and potatoes, all encased in a flaky shortcrust pastry. Popular in homes and as street food across Nigeria, they are reminiscent of Cornish pasties but with distinct differences in preparation and ingredients. These pies are both flavorful and versatile, making them perfect for snacking or serving alongside a salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) vegetable oil
• 8.8 ounces (250g) ground beef (20% fat)
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 small potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon Nigerian-style curry powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup (235ml) stock or water
• 1/2 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• Black pepper (to taste)

For the Dough:

• 5.6 ounces (160g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ounce (30g) whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3.1 ounces (90g) unsalted butter (cold)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ice-cold water

For Assembly:

• 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

Instructions

For the Filling:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water; set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef, season with salt, and stir until no longer pink. Transfer to a bowl.
3. Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté the onion, potatoes, and carrot, seasoning with salt, for 4 minutes. Stir in the curry powder and thyme, cooking until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
4. Add the cooked beef and stock to the skillet. Cover, simmer, and cook until the vegetables are tender (12–15 minutes).
5. Stir in half of the bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Add the cornstarch mixture, simmer, and cook until the sauce thickens. Mix in the remaining bell pepper, season with black pepper, and let cool.

For the Dough:

1. In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Grate cold butter into the flour mixture and mix gently.
3. Create a well in the center, pour in the beaten egg and water, and mix until a dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
4. Roll the dough into 6 equal-sized balls. Flatten each into a 6-inch circle.

Assembly and Baking:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a border. Fold the dough over, sealing the edges with a fork.
3. Brush the tops with egg wash, poke holes for steam, and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Nigerian meat pies are a delightful treat, combining a buttery, flaky crust with a rich and flavorful filling. Easy to make and versatile, they can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for gatherings or as a satisfying snack. Adjust the filling to your taste, and savor the blend of spices and textures!

For more details, visit the full recipe

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