Meat pies

Meat pies are a savory appetizer that perfectly combines the crunchy texture of the dough with the flavorful filling of meat and vegetables. This simple and quick recipe is ideal for any occasion, from a family meal to a party with friends. I will guide you step by step in preparing these delicious pies.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6 pies

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 225 g flour
- 60 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 60 ml cold water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- a pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 200 g minced pork
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 medium potato, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 bunch of parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and salt. Add the cubed margarine and, using your fingers, rub the margarine into the flour until you achieve a sandy texture. Gradually add the cold water and knead the dough until it becomes smooth. Form a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential to achieve a tender and easy-to-handle dough.

2. Preparing the filling: In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Add the minced pork and brown it well, stirring constantly. Once the meat is cooked, add the grated carrot and diced potato. Continue to sauté all the ingredients together for a few minutes, until the potato starts to soften. Add the parsley, thyme, tarragon, salt, and pepper, mix well, and remove the skillet from the heat. Let the filling cool.

3. Forming the pies: After the dough has cooled, take it out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a thin sheet. Use a 6 cm round cutter to cut out shapes from the dough. On each circle, place a tablespoon of the prepared filling. Fold the dough in half to form a pie and press the edges with a fork to seal them well. This step will prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

4. Baking the pies: Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Place the pies on a greased and lined baking tray. Brush each pie with egg yolk to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Bake the pies for 30-40 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.

5. Serving: Meat pies are delicious served warm, straight from the oven. You can accompany them with a fresh green salad or flavored yogurt sauces. You can also experiment with the filling, adding mushrooms, cheese, or other favorite vegetables.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the filling is well-seasoned; its taste will significantly influence the pies.
- If you want an even more tender dough, you can replace the margarine with butter and add an egg to the dough mixture.
- Experiment with different types of meat; chicken or beef meat pies can also be delicious.

These meat pies are perfect for enjoying at a festive meal or simply as a delicious snack. So, put on your apron and enjoy cooking!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 225 g flour, 60 g butter, 60 ml water, 1 baking powder, salt. For the filling: 200 g minced pork, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 potato, 1 onion, 1 carrot, parsley, thyme, tarragon, salt, pepper, 1 egg yolk.

 Tags:  appetizers meat appetizers vegetable appetizers mushroom appetizers