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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Benefits:
- High in Protein: Minced meat provides a good source of protein which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Nutritious Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and peas add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the meat or add different vegetables based on your preferences.
- Convenient: These pastries can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.
Enjoy your Minced Meat Pastries!