Whether it’s a quick snack on a busy Lagos street or a featured dish at a festive gathering in Abuja, the meat pie is a beloved staple in every corner of Nigeria. This pastry delight, known for its flaky crust and rich, savory filling, has captured the hearts of many. In this post, we’ll take you through the steps to create the perfect Nigerian meat pie, right from your own kitchen.
At Bake.com.ng, we understand the importance of quality in every bake. That’s why we not only provide you with the best recipes but also offer top-notch bakery equipment to ensure your baking experience is nothing short of excellent. So, let’s get started on this culinary journey and learn how to make rich meat pies that will delight your family and friends.
Stay tuned as we break down the process, share some expert tips, and highlight essential tools from Bake.com.ng that will help you achieve bakery-quality results right at home. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients and Equipment
Essential Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Flour: 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- Butter: 1 cup of cold, unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Eggs: 2 large eggs
- Cold Water: 1/4 cup (add more if needed)
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional, for a slightly sweet crust)
For the Filling:
- Ground Beef: 500 grams
- Potatoes: 2 medium-sized, peeled and diced
- Carrots: 2 medium-sized, peeled and diced
- Onion: 1 medium-sized, finely chopped
- Green Peas: 1/2 cup (optional)
- Oil: 2 tablespoons (vegetable or olive oil)
- Seasoning Cubes: 2 (commonly used in Nigerian cuisine)
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Curry Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Water or Beef Broth: 1 cup (for simmering the filling)
- Flour: 1 tablespoon (to thicken the filling)
Recommended Equipment
Basic Baking Tools:
- Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for mixing dough and filling.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are used to measure ingredients accurately.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
- Baking Sheet: For baking the meat pies.
- Pastry Brush: For egg wash application.
- Knife: For chopping vegetables and trimming dough.
- Cutting Board: For preparing ingredients.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Rich Meat Pie
Preparation
- Gather Ingredients:
– Measure out all the ingredients listed above.
– Ensure the butter is cold and the vegetables are chopped. - Preheat Oven:
– Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Making the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
– In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional). - Incorporate Butter:
– Add the 1 cup of cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
– Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. - Add Wet Ingredients:
– Beat 2 eggs and add them to the flour-butter mixture.
– Gradually add 1/4 cup of cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Add more water if necessary, one tablespoon at a time. - Knead and Chill:
– Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface until smooth.
– Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling
- Cook the Vegetables:
– Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. - Add Ground Beef:
– Add 500 grams of ground beef to the pan, cooking until browned.
– Drain any excess fat if necessary. - Season the Filling:
– Add diced potatoes, carrots, and green peas (if using) to the meat.
– Stir in 1 teaspoon of thyme, 1 teaspoon of curry powder, 2 seasoning cubes, salt, and black pepper to taste. - Simmer with Broth:
– Pour in 1 cup of water or beef broth.
– Cover and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. - Thicken the Filling:
– Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the filling mixture.
– Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
– Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Assembling the Meat Pie
- Roll Out the Dough:
– Divide the chilled dough into manageable portions.
– Roll out each portion on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. - Cut Dough Circles:
– Use a round cutter or a bowl to cut out circles from the rolled dough. - Fill the Dough:
– Place a spoonful of the cooled meat filling in the center of each dough circle.
– Brush the edges with a little water to help seal. - Seal and Shape:
– Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
– Press the edges together with a fork to seal. - Egg Wash:**
– Beat an egg and brush it over the top of each pie for a golden finish.
Baking the Pie
- Prepare Baking Sheet:
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. - Bake:
– Place the sealed meat pies on the prepared baking sheet.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown. - Cool:
– Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
Enjoy Your Rich Meat Pies!
Your rich meat pies are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as a standalone treat. These pies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a party, or simply a delicious snack.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the art of making rich, delicious Nigerian meat pies. From the flaky, buttery crust to the savory, flavorful filling, these meat pies are sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply enjoyed as a comforting snack at home.
At Bake.com.ng, we’re passionate about helping you achieve baking excellence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, having the right tools can make all the difference. Be sure to check out our wide range of high-quality baking equipment to make your baking process even smoother and more enjoyable.
Remember, the key to perfect meat pies lies in using fresh ingredients, taking your time with each step, and, of course, having fun in the kitchen. We hope this recipe brings joy to your home and inspires you to continue exploring the wonderful world of baking.
Thank you for joining us on this culinary journey. We’d love to hear how your meat pies turned out! Share your baking adventures with us on social media using the hashtag #BakeWithBakeNG, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments.
Happy baking, and enjoy your rich meat pies!
