Get ready to indulge in a true Aussie classic—the meat pie! A staple of Australian cuisine, the meat pie is a delicious savory pastry filled with flavorful minced meat and gravy. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a game day snack, this iconic dish is loved by Australians of all ages. Join us as we walk you through the steps to create your own homemade meat pie that will satisfy your taste buds and transport you to the land down under!
Ingredients:
For the Pie Filling:
– 1 lb (450g) minced beef (ground beef)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 cup beef stock
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, oregano)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Pastry:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
– ½ cup ice-cold water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pie Filling:
– Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
– Add the minced beef to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
– Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
– Pour in the beef stock and simmer the mixture for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Pastry:
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the diced cold butter and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
– Gradually add the ice-cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
– Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to rest.
3. Assemble and Bake the Meat Pies:
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3mm). Cut out rounds or squares large enough to fit into your pie molds or tins.
– Line the pie molds with the pastry, ensuring the edges hang over the sides.
– Fill each pie with the cooled meat filling, then fold over the pastry edges and crimp or seal them with a fork to create a decorative edge.
– Place the filled pies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
– Remove the meat pies from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
– These delicious meat pies can be enjoyed on their own or served with tomato sauce (ketchup) or your favorite condiments.
– Dig in and savor the taste of Australia!
Note: The meat pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer-term storage. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for
