The Ultimate Nigerian Meat Pie Recipe – A Delicious and Flaky Delight
Nigerian Meat Pie is one of the most beloved snacks in West Africa. It is a savory, flaky pastry filled with a delicious mixture of minced meat, potatoes, and carrots. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, Nigerian Meat Pie is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food....
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Ingredients
For the Pastry Dough:
- 4cupsall-purpose flour
- 1tspbaking powder
- 1/2tspsalt
- 1cupunsalted butter (cold and diced)
- 1/2cupcold water
- 1egg (for egg wash)
For the Filling:
- 500gminced beef (or chicken)
- 1small onion (finely chopped)
- 1medium potato (peeled and diced)
- 1medium carrot (peeled and diced)
- 2tbspvegetable oil
- 1tspcurry powder
- 1tspthyme
- 1/2tspblack pepper
- 1/2tspsalt
- 1tbspflour (to thicken filling)
- 1/2cupbeef broth or water
How to make The Ultimate Nigerian Meat Pie Recipe – A Delicious and Flaky Delight
Prepare the Filling
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
Add the minced beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned.
Stir in the diced potatoes and carrots, followed by the curry powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
Add the beef broth and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir to thicken the filling. Cook for another 2 minutes and set aside to cool.
Make the Pastry Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the diced butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it forms a crumbly texture.
Gradually add cold water, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Assemble the Meat Pies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.
Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles from the dough.
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle.
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
Press the edges with a fork to seal and create a decorative pattern.
Beat an egg and brush it over the top of the pies for a golden finish.
Bake the Meat Pies
Place the prepared meat pies on the baking tray.
Bake for 30–40 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Use cold butter and water to ensure a flaky crust.
Do not overwork the dough to prevent a tough texture.
Let the filling cool completely before stuffing the pies to avoid a soggy crust.
Brush with egg wash for a beautiful golden color.
Make ahead and freeze unbaked pies for later baking.