Meat pie

Meat Pie - a traditional recipe, full of flavor and warmth, that will bring joy to both festive meals and ordinary days. This pie is a delicious combination of flaky dough and rich filling, perfect for satisfying the whole family's appetite. Moreover, it is a simple recipe with an impressive result. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 600 g wheat flour
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 1 packet baking powder
- 150 ml warm milk
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 1 kg turkey breast (or chicken, for a more affordable option)
- 3 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green)
- 1 tomato (optional, for added juiciness)
- 3 eggs
- 400 g cheese (grated)
- 2 onions
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons oil

For decoration:
- 1 egg (for brushing the pie)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for a crunchy and decorative touch)

Making the dough

1. In a large bowl, sift the flour. This step helps to aerate the flour, contributing to a fluffier dough.
2. Add the baking powder and a pinch of salt, mixing the dry ingredients well for complete homogenization.
3. Incorporate the diced butter, mixing with your fingers or a pastry mixer until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
4. Add the egg and warm milk. Knead the dough until it becomes compact and no longer sticks to your hands.
5. Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Making the filling

1. Peel and finely chop the onion. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and sauté until golden. This step will add a delicious flavor to the filling.
3. Cut the turkey breast into small cubes and add it to the sautéed onion. Fry the meat until golden brown and well cooked.
4. Dice the bell peppers and add them to the pan. If desired, you can also add the chopped tomato for added juiciness. Let it cook together for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. After the mixture has cooled slightly, add the beaten eggs and grated cheese. Gently mix to combine the ingredients. Taste and adjust the salt to your liking.

Assembling the pie

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first part on a floured surface to form a thin sheet.
3. Place the dough sheet in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring that the edges slightly exceed the tray.
4. Pour the meat filling evenly over the dough sheet.
5. Roll out the second part of the dough and cover the filling, sealing the edges well to prevent any filling from leaking during baking.
6. Brush the surface of the pie with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds for a nice appearance and crunchy texture.

Baking

1. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
2. Once the pie is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly to set the filling.

Serving

Serve the pie warm, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt garlic sauce. This combination will add a contrast of textures and flavors, making the meal even more delicious. A delightful option would be to pair it with a glass of dry white wine or a cold beer.

Helpful tips

- If you want a lighter pie, you can replace the butter with olive oil or a mixture of oil and water.
- Experiment with the filling! You can add mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables to diversify the recipe.
- The pie can be frozen! After baking, let it cool completely, then portion it and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutritional details

This meat pie is rich in protein due to the turkey and eggs, while the cheese adds an important calcium intake. However, moderate consumption is essential, considering the saturated fat content from the butter and cheese.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use pork instead of turkey?
Yes, the pie will have a different taste, but it will be just as delicious!

2. How can I make the dough fluffier?
Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature and do not over-knead the dough to avoid excessive gluten development.

3. Can the pie be made gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free flour and follow the same recipe.

4. What is the best way to store the pie?
Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to stay fresh for 3-4 days.

A personal note

This meat pie reminds me of my childhood when my mother would make it for Sunday meals. The aroma that filled the house was simply irresistible. I hope you find joy in making this recipe and create beautiful memories with your loved ones.

Enjoy your meat pie, it is a true delight!