Meat Pie - Ana

Meat Pie - A Savory and Comforting Recipe

If you are looking for a dish that combines rusticity with refinement, I invite you to discover our meat pie recipe. This recipe is not just a delicious meal, but also a reminder of family moments spent together, when the aroma of meat and spices intertwined with stories at the lunch table. The meat pie is a versatile dish, perfect for family lunches, festive meals, or even for a picnic outdoors.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 500-600 g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 3 large onions
- 200 g rice
- 5-6 potatoes
- salt and pepper to taste
- sweet or hot paprika, to preference
- 1 package of store-bought puff pastry (approximately 400 g)
- 2-3 eggs
- 3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 100-150 g butter
- oil for greasing the baking tray

The history of the meat pie is fascinating, with deep roots in traditional cuisine. It has often been prepared to make the most of available ingredients, ingeniously transforming leftovers into nourishing and delicious meals. Over time, pies have evolved, becoming symbols of hospitality and conviviality.

Preparing the pie:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Start by peeling the potatoes, washing them well, and cutting them into suitable cubes. This way, they will cook evenly and add an interesting texture to the filling.
- Slice the onions julienne, and then you can sauté them a bit in oil to enhance their aroma.
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This step will help the rice not to stick during baking.

2. Assembling the puff pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This will ensure even baking and a nicely browned crust.
- Grease a tray with oil to prevent the pie from sticking.
- Place the first sheet of puff pastry in the tray, brush it with melted butter, then add a second sheet and repeat the process. This layer of butter will provide a flaky and delicious crust.

3. Preparing the filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the rice, cubed potatoes, sautéed onions, salt, pepper, and paprika. It is important not to boil the rice; it will cook during the baking of the pie, absorbing the delicious flavors from the meat and vegetables.

4. Assembling the pie:
- Place the filling composition on top of the assembled puff pastry. Make sure it is evenly distributed.
- Lift the edges of the pastry to cover the filling. This step will help keep the filling inside.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste on top for extra flavor and color.

5. Finalizing the pie:
- Place three more sheets of puff pastry on top, brushing each sheet with melted butter, just like the first sheets. For the last sheet, do not brush with butter, but beat 2-3 eggs and brush the surface well. This will give a golden color and an appetizing appearance to the pie.

6. Baking:
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes or until the pie becomes golden and crispy.

7. Serving:
- Once the pie is baked, let it cool slightly before cutting. You can serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce to balance the rich flavors of the filling.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of meat, such as lamb or chicken, to vary the flavor of the pie.
- Add spices like cumin or marjoram for an extra kick of flavor.
- If there is leftover pie, you can reheat it the next day; the taste gets even better!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can the pie be frozen? Yes, the pie can be frozen before or after baking. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent excessive freezing.
- What are the serving suggestions? The pie pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine or even with a fruit tea to balance the rich flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
This pie is rich in protein due to the meat and rice, providing a nourishing and satisfying meal. The addition of potatoes brings complex carbohydrates, which ensure long-lasting energy. However, be mindful of the calorie content due to the butter and puff pastry, so moderate the portions.

In the end, the meat pie is an excellent choice for any occasion, transforming an ordinary meal into a celebration of taste. Whether you prepare it for your loved ones or to treat yourself, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen! Enjoy your meal!