Best 2 West African Meat Piespatties Recipes

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In the heart of West Africa lies a culinary gem that tantalizes taste buds and brings people together: meat pies and patties. These delectable treats, also known as pasties, are a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that have captivated food lovers for generations. From the flaky, golden-brown crust to the savory, succulent filling bursting with tender meat, aromatic spices, and vibrant vegetables, every bite is an explosion of delight. Whether you prefer the classic beef filling, the spicy kick of chicken, or the vegetarian delight of sweet potato and black-eyed peas, there's a meat pie or patty to satisfy every palate. So, embark on a culinary journey to West Africa and discover the irresistible charm of these beloved handheld delights.

**Beef Meat Pies:** These classic meat pies showcase the bold flavors of West African cuisine. Ground beef is seasoned with a vibrant blend of spices, aromatic herbs, and sautéed onions, creating a savory filling that's perfectly complemented by the flaky, buttery crust.

**Chicken Meat Pies:** For those who crave a lighter yet equally flavorful option, chicken meat pies are a must-try. Tender chicken is marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices, then simmered until fall-off-the-bone tender. Encased in a crispy, golden crust, each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

**Vegetarian Meat Pies:** Even those who abstain from meat can indulge in the goodness of West African meat pies with this delectable vegetarian version. Sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas, and an array of colorful vegetables are simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce, creating a filling that's both hearty and satisfying. Wrapped in a flaky, golden crust, these pies are a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of plant-based cuisine.

**Meat Patties:** For a more portable and equally satisfying snack, meat patties are the perfect choice. Ground beef or chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, then formed into patties and pan-fried until golden brown and crispy. Serve them on their own or tucked into a soft bun, accompanied by your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

No matter your preference, West African meat pies and patties are a culinary adventure waiting to be savored. Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and prepare to embark on a delicious journey to the heart of West Africa, one bite at a time.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

NIGERIAN MEAT PIES



Nigerian Meat Pies image

In Ghana, Nigeria and other West African countries we call these savory crescent-shaped pastries meat pies, though around the world they are also known as hand pies, empanadas and dumplings. Most of the time, we serve them as appetizers or a snack before lunch or dinner. In Nigeria, meat pie is made with ground beef, carrots and potatoes that are sauteed with herbs and spices and stuffed in a buttery dough pocket. My version is similar, but I use mixed vegetables like corn, peas, carrots and string beans (I love how the corn adds sweetness) and I omit potatoes, which can sometimes make a meat pie almost too filling for a snack or appetizer.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h45m

Yield 12 pies

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 ounces ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red onion, diced
1/2 cup mixed frozen vegetables, such as corn, peas, carrots and string beans, thawed
1 teaspoon bouillon powder
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Kosher salt, if needed
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed and for dusting
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Kosher salt
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) salted butter
1 large egg

Steps:

  • For the filling: Heat the oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring, until it starts to brown and release a little liquid, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and onions and cook, stirring, until the onions are slightly translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the mixed vegetables and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium low. Stir in the bouillon powder, curry powder, granulated garlic, thyme and cayenne pepper, if using, and continue to cook until the meat browns completely and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt if needed. Allow to cool. Transfer to a medium bowl.
  • For the dough: Add the flour, baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a large bowl and mix with your hands or a whisk. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture is crumbly. Using a tablespoon, gradually add 1/2 cup warm water while kneading until a dough forms. The dough should not be sticky or dry; adjust with a teaspoon of water and knead if the dough is dry, or dust with 1/4 teaspoon flour and knead if it is too sticky. Wrap the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest until it has a slightly softer feel, about 5 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and sprinkle the parchment with flour. Whisk the egg in a small bowl with a fork or whisk to make an egg wash.
  • Lightly dust a work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking. Unwrap the dough, cut it in half and re-wrap one half. Roll out the other half into a 10-inch square. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Re-roll the dough and cut additional circles. Add about 1 tablespoon of the filling to the middle of each dough circle. Dip a brush in the egg wash and brush the edges of the dough. Fold the dough over the filling so the edges align to form a crescent shape. Seal the meat pies using the tip of a metal fork to press the edges down. Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. (Save any leftover filling for another use.) Brush the pies all over with the egg wash. Use a toothpick to poke 3 small holes on top of each pie for ventilation while baking.
  • Bake the pies until the crusts are golden, glossy and flaky with a bit of crunch on the edges, about 20 minutes. Allow them to cool until warm to the touch.

WEST AFRICAN MEAT PIES/PATTIES



West African Meat Pies/Patties image

Make and share this West African Meat Pies/Patties recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Fofi4667

Categories     Pork

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 small potatoes, diced and cooked
1/2 lb lean ground beef (I use extra lean)
1/4 cup frozen mixed vegetables, cooked (I use the peas, carrots and corn mix)
1 onion, diced
1/2 cup mixed red and green sweet pepper, diced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 beef bouillon cube, cube
1/2 cup butter, chilled, (for flakier crust use 1/4 cup chilled lard, and 1/4 cup chilled butter)
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 -6 tablespoons ice water
1 egg, beaten (for brushing exterior of meat pies)

Steps:

  • Mix all spices, diced bell peppers and diced onion, with ground meat thoroughly, and brown the meat in 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet until meat is cooked (about 10 minutes).
  • Once ground beef is cooked, add the diced cooked potatoes and heat for 5 minutes.
  • Taste meat mixture and adjust amount of spices according to taste.
  • To make dough: Sift together dry ingredients and cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a fork or pastry cutter until mixture is crumbly.
  • While mixing with a wooden spoon, add water a tablespoon at a time until dough holds together in a ball(you may need more or less water than stated depending on humidity of your flour)
  • (If the dough crumbles, add a little more water by drops until the particles adhere).
  • When dough comes together into a ball, lightly flour your work surface (counter top or cutting board) and roll out the dough until 1/8 inch thick.
  • Cut out 6-8 inch circles (while working with dough, if dough becomes sticky or too soft put in refridgerator for 10 minutes to cool).
  • Place two teaspoons of meat stuffing in ceter of pastry cut outs.
  • Moisten the edges of the dough with water and fold the top half of the dough circle over the filling (into a half circle) and pinch edges together with a fork to seal.
  • Once all patties are formed, lightly brush the tops with beaten egg.
  • Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips:

  • Use a sharp knife to cut the meat into small pieces. This will make it easier to grind and will help the pies cook more evenly.
  • If you don't have a meat grinder, you can use a food processor to grind the meat. Just be sure to pulse it in short bursts so that you don't over-process the meat.
  • Add some vegetables to the meat filling. This will add flavor and nutrients to the pies.
  • Don't overfill the pie crusts. Leave some room at the top so that the pies can expand while they're baking.
  • Bake the pies in a preheated oven. This will help them cook evenly.
  • Let the pies cool slightly before serving. This will make them easier to handle.

Conclusion:

West African meat pies are a delicious and satisfying snack or meal. They're easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for something new to try, give these pies a try. You won't be disappointed.

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