**Natchitoches Meat Pies and Beet Pies: A Taste of Louisiana's Culinary Heritage**
Hailing from the heart of Louisiana, Natchitoches meat pies and beet pies are culinary treasures that embody the state's rich cultural heritage. These delectable treats, originating from Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, have been passed down through generations, capturing the essence of Louisiana's unique flavors and traditions.
**Natchitoches Meat Pie:**
Savor the savory indulgence of Natchitoches meat pies, a harmonious blend of seasoned ground beef, the "holy trinity" of onions, celery, and bell peppers, and a medley of aromatic spices, all enveloped in a flaky, golden-brown crust. These pies are not just a meal; they are a symbol of Louisiana's culinary artistry, where each bite transports you to the vibrant streets of Natchitoches, steeped in history and charm.
**Beet Pie:**
Experience the vibrant fusion of sweet and savory with Natchitoches beet pies. Tender, earthy beets take center stage, complemented by a hint of sweetness from sugar and the subtle tang of vinegar. Enrobed in the same flaky crust as the meat pies, beet pies offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making them a beloved treat among locals and visitors alike.
In this article, we present two cherished recipes: one for Natchitoches meat pies and one for beet pies. Each recipe is a testament to the culinary legacy of Louisiana, providing detailed instructions and tips to help you recreate these iconic dishes in your own kitchen. Embark on a culinary journey, savor the flavors of Natchitoches, and indulge in the rich tapestry of Louisiana's culinary heritage.
CLASSIC NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIE
Yield 28
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- In a small Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add beef, pork, oregano, salt, red pepper, black pepper, and cayenne. Cook, stirring frequently, until meat is browned and crumbly, about 6 minutes. Drain any excess liquid. Sprinkle with flour, and stir to combine. In a large saucepan, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Add garlic, bell pepper, and celery; cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir into meat mixture. Let cool completely. Cut Meat Pie Dough into 40 pieces. Reserve 12 pieces for another use. On a lightly floured surface, roll 28 pieces of dough to a 5½-inch circle, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 10 minutes. Using a 5-inch round cutter, cut rounds from each piece of dough. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 2 tablespoons water. Place 2 tablespoons filling in center of each round. Lightly brush edges with egg wash. Fold dough over filling, and press to seal. Using a fork, crimp along edges of pie. Using a pastry wheel, cut along edges to further seal. Freeze pies before frying. In a large Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of 4 inches, and heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 370°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels, and place a wire rack on top. Remove pies from freezer. Using a slotted spoon, gently place pies, 3 at a time, in hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from oil, and let drain on prepared pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Using a pastry blender or 2 forks, cut in lard until mixture is crumbly. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Pour egg mixture over flour mixture, and lightly toss with your hands until a dough starts to form. Knead together twice, and let rest for 10 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until using.
NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIES
The Natchitoches meat pies are famous in Louisiana and a 'must eat' when there. They are so good and a perfect little lunch. Cook time is an estimate, keep an eye on them.
Provided by kehn
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork Sausage
Time 1h25m
Yield 15
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat; whisk in flour, and cook until flour turns from white to a nutty brown color, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in onion and cook until transparent, about 5 minutes. Add meats and brown until no longer pink, 10 to 12 minutes; stir in Cajun seasoning and garlic powder; drain fat. Cool to room temperature.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Use a 5 inch diameter round cookie cutter or cut around a saucer to make a round of dough. Place a heaping tablespoon of meat filling in the center of each round. Fold dough over filling and seal edges closed by pressing with a fork or fingers. Repeat to make 15 pies, re-rolling dough scraps as needed.
- Heat oil for frying in deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Deep fry pies in small batches until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Or bake pies on greased cookie sheets in preheated 350 degree F (175 degrees C) oven 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 337.7 calories, Carbohydrate 13.3 g, Cholesterol 35.9 mg, Fat 26.6 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 10.9 g, SaturatedFat 7.1 g, Sodium 454.7 mg, Sugar 0.4 g
NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIES
Steps:
- In a large skillet heat oil and cook beef and pork, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the onions, bell peppers, celery, salt, Essence, cayenne, and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are wilted, about 10 to 12 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Dissolve the flour in the water and add to the meat mixture. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the green onions. Mix well and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. Cut in the lard until mixture resembles coarse meal. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, working it to make a thick dough. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each portion of dough into a thin round about 5 inches in diameter. Place about 1/4 cup of meat filling in the center of each round and brush edges lightly with egg wash. Fold edges together and crimp closed with a fork.
- Heat shortening in a deep pot or electric deep-fryer to 360 degrees F. Fry the pies, in batches, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
- Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.
NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIES
Make and share this Natchitoches Meat Pies recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Chef Joseph Davis
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 1h30m
Yield 15 pies, 15 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- filling: make a roux of flour & shortening.
- add all other ingredients, cover and cook on LOW heat for 30 minute.
- drain off fat.
- cool while making pastry.
- Pastry.
- mix flour & baking powder; together add shortening, then eggs.
- add milk to make a stiff dough.
- roll very thin about 1/8" thick.
- use a saucer to cut circles of dough.
- fill 1/2 full.
- fold dough over and dampen edges w/ water
- crimp w/ fork
- Fry in deep fryer till golden brown.
- keep warm till served.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 384.5, Fat 19.7, SaturatedFat 6.5, Cholesterol 81.7, Sodium 339, Carbohydrate 31.1, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 1.9, Protein 19.6
NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIES
This recipe comes from an old church cookbook of mine. Natchitoches meat pies are a Louisiana specialty. I haven't made this recipe myself, but every Natchitoches meat pie I've had has been delicious!
Provided by bunkie68
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h
Yield 18 pies
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- To make the filling: Make a roux of shortening and flour.
- Add all other ingredients and salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow to cook thoroughly, and let cool before placing on dough.
- To make the dough: Sift flour, baking powder, and add shortening and then eggs.
- Add enough milk to make a stiff dough.
- Roll very thin, and use a saucer to cut a circle of dough the same size as the saucer.
- Fill half of the circle with meat mixture, fold dough over, and press closed with a wet fork.
- Fry in deep fat until golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 394.9, Fat 24.6, SaturatedFat 7.6, Cholesterol 76.2, Sodium 223.8, Carbohydrate 24.1, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 1, Protein 18.3
Tips:
- Use fresh beets: Fresh beets have a sweeter flavor and are more tender than canned beets.
- Roast the beets before using them: Roasting the beets concentrates their flavor and makes them easier to peel.
- Use a food processor to grate the beets: This will make the beets easier to work with and will help them to blend into the filling more smoothly.
- Don't overfill the pie shells: The filling will expand as it bakes, so it's important to leave some room at the top of the pie shell.
- Bake the pies until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown: This usually takes about 45 minutes.
- Let the pies cool before serving: This will allow the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld.
Conclusion:
Natchitoches beet pies are a delicious and unique dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With their sweet and savory filling, flaky crust, and beautiful presentation, these pies are sure to impress your guests. So next time you're looking for a special dessert to make, give Natchitoches beet pies a try. You won't be disappointed!
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