Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Meat Pasty, a savory pastry filled with a delicious blend of meat and vegetables. Perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or a cozy dinner, these handheld delights are sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these delicious pasties from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
- 2/3 cup ice water, plus extra as needed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold, unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup shortening or lard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
For the Filling:
- 8 oz. ground beef (or skirt steak, finely chopped)
- 1 russet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 small turnip, peeled and diced
- 1 large carrot, finely diced
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Brown mustard, for garnish
Instructions:
Making the Pastry:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and shortening/lard. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water:
- Gradually add the ice water, a little at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. If it feels too dry, add a little more ice water, if too wet, add a little more flour.
- Chill the Dough:
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
Making the Filling:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced potato, turnip, carrot, and onion. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Cook the Meat:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the ground beef (or chopped skirt steak) and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
Assembling the Pasties:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a plate to cut out circles, approximately 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Fill and Seal:
- Spoon a generous amount of the vegetable and meat filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork to secure.
- Bake:
- Transfer the assembled pasties to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasties are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the pasties cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a dollop of brown mustard for extra flavor.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Make Ahead: These pasties can be assembled and frozen before baking. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version of this recipe.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices. You can also add cheese or a dollop of gravy for extra indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use store-bought pastry dough? A: Yes, store-bought pastry dough can be used as a time-saving option. Follow the package instructions for rolling out and shaping the dough.
Q: How do I reheat leftover pasties? A: To reheat leftover pasties, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Q: Can I use different meats in the filling? A: Absolutely! You can use ground pork, chicken, or turkey instead of beef for variety.
With its flaky pastry and flavorful filling, these Meat Pasties are sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed as a snack, lunch, or dinner, these handheld pies are a comforting and satisfying treat. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure with this timeless recipe. Happy baking!
