Hot Naija meat pie

Treat yourself to the savoury delight of Hot Naija Meat Pie, a delicious Nigerian dish that will satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the dough: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, cold water

For the filling: minced beef or chicken, onion, carrots, potatoes, vegetable oil, garlic, curry powder, thyme, paprika, salt and pepper, egg.

Recipe

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

• Gradually add cold water to the flour mixture, a little at a time, and knead until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

• While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.

• Add the minced beef or chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

• Stir in the diced carrots and potatoes, followed by the curry powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, then add 1/4 cup of water and simmer until the vegetables are tender and the mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.

• Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles of dough.

• Place a spoonful of the cooled filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a halfmoon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal.

• Place the assembled meat pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny finish.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the meat pies are golden brown and crispy.

• Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Hot Naija meat pies as a delicious snack or meal!