Meat pie

Meat Pie – a delight that combines tradition with moments of conviviality! This savory recipe is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. With a flaky pastry crust and a tasty filling, this pie is sure to become a star in your kitchen.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 1 pack of puff pastry (approximately 400g)
- 800g minced meat (recommended lean pork, but you can experiment with beef or chicken)
- 1 jar of canned mushrooms (or 300g of fresh mushrooms, chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (seeded and grated)
- 1 large onion (peeled and finely chopped)
- ½ can of peeled tomatoes in their juice (approximately 200g)
- 4 eggs (3 for filling and 1 for brushing)
- salt, pepper, and paprika (to taste)
- 100g cheese (grated)
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil (for cooking)

Preparation:

1. Thawing the Pastry: Start by thawing the puff pastry according to the package instructions. It is important that it is completely thawed for easy rolling.

2. Preparing the Ingredients: Peel and finely chop the onion, then grate the bell pepper. If using fresh mushrooms, wash them well and chop them finely.

3. Sautéing the Vegetables: In a large pan, add the oil and half a cup of water. When it starts to boil, add the onion and bell pepper. Let them soften for about 5 minutes.

4. Adding the Meat: Once the vegetables have softened, add the minced meat. Mix well and let it cook over medium heat for 10 minutes. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Adding the Mushrooms and Tomatoes: Once the meat is well cooked, add the mushrooms and peeled tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of paprika, letting everything simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, until the liquid reduces significantly.

6. Cooling the Mixture: Once the mixture has reduced, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly. It is essential that the filling is warm when added to the pastry.

7. Preparing the Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the pastry sheet a little thinner. Grease a round (preferably removable) baking dish with butter or oil.

8. Assembling the Pie: Place the pastry sheet in the dish, gently pressing the edges and trimming the excess. In the cooled meat mixture, add the 3 eggs and mix well. Pour the filling into the dish and sprinkle the grated cheese on top.

9. Decorating with Pastry: Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, forming a sort of border. Cut the remaining pastry into thin strips and place them on top like a "fence."

10. Brushing with Egg: Beat the remaining egg and, using a brush, glaze the surface of the pie for a golden and appetizing look.

11. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish inside. Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crispy.

12. Cooling and Serving: Once the pie is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. It is best served warm, alongside pickles or a fresh salad.

Practical Tips:
- Ingredients: You can also add other vegetables to the filling, such as grated carrots or zucchini, to diversify the flavor. If you want a lighter option, reduce the amount of meat.
- Filling Variations: Experiment with different types of meat or even vegetarian fillings, such as spinach and feta cheese.
- Pairings: This pie pairs wonderfully with yogurt or a refreshing drink, like mint tea.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: A serving of meat pie contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It provides protein from meat and eggs, fiber from vegetables, and carbohydrates from the pastry.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
- Yes, it is an excellent choice to save time and effort.

2. How can I make the pie lighter?
- You can reduce the amount of meat and add more vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini.

3. Can the pie be frozen?
- Yes, it can be frozen before or after baking. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container.

This meat pie is not just a tasty dish but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories around the table! Try this recipe and turn it into your culinary masterpiece! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1 package of puff pastry 800 g minced meat (I had some lean pork tenderloin that I minced) 1 jar of canned mushrooms 1 bell pepper 1 large onion half a can of peeled tomatoes in their own juice 4 eggs salt pepper paprika 100 g cheese 3-4 tablespoons of oil

 Tags:  pie ground meat puff pastry