Recipe Nigerian Meat Pie

Cynthia May

2 min read

·

24-01-2025

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Nigerian meat pies are a beloved savory snack, perfect for any occasion. This recipe delivers that classic, flaky crust filled with a richly seasoned meat mixture. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup vegetable shortening (or butter) – chilled and cubed
• ½ cup ice water (approximately)

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground thyme
• 1 tsp ground curry powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

Making the Pastry:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in shortening: Add the chilled, cubed shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add water gradually: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
4. Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Filling:

1. Sauté vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Brown the meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Simmer the filling: Stir in the garlic, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, thyme, curry powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Assembling and Baking the Pies:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
3. Cut out circles: Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles of dough.
4. Fill and seal: Place a spoonful of the cooled meat filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
5. Bake: Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
6. Cool and serve: Let the pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• For a richer flavor, use butter instead of vegetable shortening in the pastry.
• Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat, or omit it altogether for a milder pie.
• You can also add other vegetables to the filling, such as carrots, peas, or potatoes.
• Leftover pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This recipe provides a delicious and authentic Nigerian meat pie experience. Enjoy the process and the delightful result!