How to make Meat Pies the South African way

Meat pies hold a cherished place in South African cuisine, beloved for their hearty fillings and flaky pastry crusts. Whether enjoyed as a snack on the go or as part of a comforting meal, South African meat pies are a culinary delight that captures the essence of homemade goodness. If you’re eager to recreate these savory treats in your own kitchen, follow along as we guide you through the process of making meat pies the South African way.

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold butter, diced
• ½ cup cold water

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pastry: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the diced butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef or lamb, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
3. Sprinkle the ground coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the meat mixture, and stir to combine. Add the tomato paste and beef or chicken broth, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the flour and water to form a paste. Stir the paste into the meat mixture to thicken the filling further. If using frozen peas and carrots, add them to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool completely.
5. Assemble the Meat Pies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles of dough, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
6. Place a spoonful of the cooled meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Use a sharp knife to make a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
7. Bake the Meat Pies: Arrange the assembled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the meat pies from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These savory delights are perfect for enjoying warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, or as a satisfying snack any time of day.

Tips:

• Experiment with different seasonings and fillings to customize your meat pies to your taste preferences.
• For added convenience, you can prepare the pastry dough and meat filling ahead of time and assemble the pies just before baking.
• Leftover meat pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term storage.

With this authentic South African meat pie recipe, you can bring a taste of traditional South African cuisine into your own home. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or as part of a leisurely meal, these savory pies are sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the heart of South Africa with every bite.