Description
Ghanaian Meat Pie is a delicious savory pastry filled with a well-seasoned ground beef mixture combined with vegetables and aromatic spices. This snack features a flaky, buttery crust baked to golden perfection and is perfect for a quick bite or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Filling
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut the cold unsalted butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water, then gradually add this to the flour mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead briefly, shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to rest.
- Cook the Filling: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned thoroughly. Stir in the finely diced carrot, frozen peas, curry powder, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the mixture has dried out somewhat. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Dough and Assemble Pies: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the dough into rectangles measuring approximately 4 by 6 inches. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cooled meat filling on one half of each rectangle. Fold the dough over to cover the filling and press the edges together, sealing with a fork to create a decorative edge.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops of each pie with milk or egg wash to achieve a golden brown crust during baking. Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the meat pies to cool slightly before serving so the filling sets and prevents burning your mouth. Enjoy warm as a tasty snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure the meat filling is sufficiently dry to avoid soggy pastry bottoms.
- Pies can be assembled ahead of time and frozen before baking; add an additional 5 minutes to the baking time when baking straight from the freezer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Ghanaian
