Nigerian meat pie is beloved. Whether you are from Nigeria or not, you will enjoy every bite of this savory snack as long as you are a meat and pastry lover. This delectable pastry, with its flaky crust and savory filling, holds a special place in the hearts of many, and rightfully so. Nigerian meat pie is one of the British influences from the colonial era. Some Nigerian flavors were added to the traditional British meat pie resulting in the Nigerian meat pie with its unique blend of spices and fillings that has made it distinctly Nigerian.
Today, the Nigerian meat pie is a popular snack enjoyed across the country and in other parts of the world. You can either purchase this deliciousness from the local pastry shops or bustling Nigerian fast food outlets. Better yet, you can follow this recipe and make the most delicious Nigerian meat pie in the comfort of your own kitchen to your preferred taste.
- Utensils/Appliances Needed For Making Nigerian Meat Pie:
- Ingredients For Nigerian Meat Pie:
- Instructions For Making Nigerian Meat Pie:
Utensils/Appliances Needed For Making Nigerian Meat Pie:
Bowls
Knives
Spatula
Spoon
Cup
Food chopper
Chopping board
Rolling board & pin
Deep frying pan or pot
Round cutter/meat pie cutter
Pastry brush/basting brush
Baking tray
Parchment paper
Ingredients For Nigerian Meat Pie:
Plain flour (700g)
Extra flour (for dusting & thickening)
½ tsp Baking Powder
Lean minced meat/ground beef (700g)
Butter (reduce salt if salted)
2 Potatoes (Peeled and Diced)
2 Carrot (Cleaned and Diced)
1 Onion (Chopped)
1 large egg (for egg wash)
Cooking Oil
Water
Salt (To Taste)
Seasoning
1 Tsp Curry Powder
1 Tsp Thyme
Instructions For Making Nigerian Meat Pie:
Gather all your utensils and ingredients for your convenience.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Break the cold butter into smaller portions and add to the dry flour mix. Use your fingers to rub it in until the mixture resembles buttery breadcrumbs. Gradually add water, mixing until a dough forms. Try not to overwork the dough. Roll the dough into balls. Cover the bowl with a cling film and/or cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
In the frying pan, thin cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and fry till it is translucent. Add the ground beef/minced meat and cook until browned. Stir at intervals to ensure even cooking. Add the thyme, curry powder, salt, and seasoning then mix them in for a uniform taste. Add the diced potatoes and carrots and stir in till it’s an even mix. Add some water and cook until the vegetables soften.
If you want some heat, add cayenne pepper. Add more herbs and seasoning to taste if necessary. Mix a spoon of flour with ⅕ cup of water in a cup and add to the pot of filling as a thickener. Stir in. Once it thickens, turn the stove off and allow the filling to cool.
Break the egg into a cup. Transfer the cool beef mix into a bowl. Dust the rolling board and pin with some flour. Roll out the chilled dough balls on a floured board till it’s flat and smooth. Using a round cutter, cut out circles for the Nigerian meat pie crust.
Roll the pin on the round dough to make it flatter and wider if necessary. Place a spoonful (or, a bit more) of the beef mix filling in the center of each dough circle. Dip the basting brush in the egg and gently brush around the inner edge of the dough. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Lightly dust some flour on the top edge and seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
Spread parchment paper over the baking tray and place the now-created Nigerian meat pie on the parchment paper. Repeat the process until you run out of dough and/or beef mix. Preheat the oven to 330°F to 350°F (165°C to 180°C). Lightly brush some egg wash over the Nigerian meat pie to give it a beautiful golden appearance. Bake the tray of Nigerian meat pies in the oven for roughly 30-40 minutes depending on your oven’s heat level.
Nigerian meat pie is not only delicious; it’s a taste that dates back to an ancestral modification of one of the many colonial influences. Regardless of where the Nigerian meat pie is served, this savory pastry is sure to win hearts. If you decide to try to follow this recipe and make Nigerian meat pie in the comfort of your own kitchen, ensure you enjoy the process by dancing to some Nigerian music while at it.
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