Minced Meat Pastries

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Minced Meat Pastries

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup ice-cold water

For the Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef or lamb
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pastry:
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  • Add the chilled butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Gradually add the ice-cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not overwork the dough.
  • Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  1. Prepare the Filling:
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  • Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the tomato paste and beef or chicken broth. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
  • Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  1. Assemble the Pastries:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  • Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
  • Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle.
  • Fold the dough over to create a semi-circle, and press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
  • Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  1. Bake the Pastries:
  • Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
  1. Serve:
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Benefits:

  1. High in Protein: Minced meat provides a good source of protein which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
  2. Nutritious Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and peas add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish.
  3. Customizable: You can easily swap out the meat or add different vegetables based on your preferences.
  4. Convenient: These pastries can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.

Enjoy your Minced Meat Pastries!

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