Minced meat in crust

Ground meat in crust - a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for impressing family or friends. This classic recipe combines a flaky and flavorful crust with a savory filling, offering an explosion of flavors in every slice. I will explain step by step how to achieve a perfect result, while sharing some tricks and useful tips to enhance your culinary skills.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2-3 hours
Baking time: 50-70 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 300 g flour (you may need to add 1-2 tablespoons of water, depending on the type of flour)
- 2 egg yolks
- 150 g butter or margarine
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- A pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 500 g ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
- 1 large onion
- 3 tablespoons broth (or tomato paste)
- 2 eggs
- 2 slices of bread (soaked in milk or water and well squeezed)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or your preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by step: Preparing the crust

1. Prepare the dough. In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the diced butter or margarine. Use your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour until you achieve a sandy texture. This step is essential for a flaky crust.

2. Add the liquids. Add the water and vinegar to the flour and butter mixture. If the dough is too dry, you can add a few tablespoons of cold water, mixing continuously until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Form the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it cool in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. This step is crucial as it helps solidify the butter and provides the desired consistency for the crust.

Preparing the filling

3. Sauté the onion. In a skillet, add a splash of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. This step will enhance the onion's flavor.

4. Add the meat. Put the ground meat in the skillet and mix well, cooking until it changes color. It is important not to let it brown too much, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

5. Finalize the filling. After the meat is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and add the broth, eggs, soaked and squeezed bread, and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well so that all the ingredients combine evenly.

Assembling the dish

6. Prepare the baking dish. Grease a loaf pan with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.

7. Divide the dough. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two parts: one larger and one smaller. Use the larger part to roll out a sheet that covers the bottom and sides of the pan, up to halfway.

8. Add the filling. Pour the prepared filling into the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

9. Close the dish. Roll out the smaller sheet of dough and place it on top of the filling. Press the edges with the back of a knife to seal well. Don't forget to make 2-3 holes in the surface of the crust to allow steam to escape during baking. An effective trick is to place a paper cone in each hole to prevent leakage.

10. Decorate. Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden and crispy crust. Use the leftover dough to create decorative leaves on the surface, sprinkling a bit of poppy seeds for a special look.

Baking and serving

11. Bake the dish. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-70 minutes. It is important to monitor the dish, and if you notice it browning too quickly, you can lower the temperature.

12. Cooling. After baking, let the dish cool in the pan for a few hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to intensify and stabilize.

Serving

When you are ready to serve, use a knife to detach the edges of the dish from the pan, then invert it onto a platter. You can serve it warm or cold, alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a delicious contrast.

Possible variations

This recipe is extremely versatile. You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, or you can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling. You can also replace the herbs with your favorite aromatic herbs, such as thyme or basil, to add another level of flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Ground meat is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle development and maintaining health. Additionally, the onion adds not only flavor but also antioxidants. The butter dough provides a delicious texture, and adding herbs enhances the vitamin intake.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use ground meat from another type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken, turkey, or a combination of meats, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the dish?
It is recommended to keep it in the refrigerator, covered, to maintain freshness. It can also be consumed after a few days, but it is tastier fresh.

3. What can I accompany this dish with?
It pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or yogurt sauces, which add a refreshing contrast.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try it and bring a touch of flavor to your kitchen! Cooking is an art, and like any artist, every recipe can be personalized to your tastes. Enjoy!