Savory pie with meat, apricots, and potatoes

Savory Meat Pie with Apricots and Potatoes

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a warm and comforting pie, packed with flavors and with the perfect texture? This savory meat pie with apricots and potatoes is a delicious combination of ingredients that blends the sweetness of apricots with the savoriness of meat and the creaminess of mashed potatoes. It’s a perfect dish for a family dinner or to be enjoyed with loved ones on chilly evenings. Let's get started!

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 500 g ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 pinch of ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of chili (optional, for a bit of spice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 225 ml beef broth (or water for a lighter version)
- 100 g dried apricots, chopped
- A bunch of fresh coriander, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped (for flavor and a splash of color)

For the mashed potatoes:
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and diced
- 25 g butter
- Milk (about 100 ml, depending on desired consistency)
- Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Preparing the meat:
In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat without adding oil, as it will release fat. Once the meat is browned and cooked through, transfer it to a bowl and drain excess fat from the skillet. Use a paper towel to wipe the skillet.

2. Sautéing the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the olive oil, onion, garlic, ginger, and spices (cumin, cinnamon, chili). Sauté over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, until the onion is soft and the flavors meld together. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water.

3. Adding the meat and remaining ingredients:
Return the browned meat to the skillet and add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, honey, and beef broth. Bring everything to a boil, then cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for one hour, stirring occasionally. After 30 minutes, add the dried apricots, which will give a sweet-tart note to the pie.

4. Preparing the mashed potatoes:
In a separate pot, boil the potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes, or until soft. Drain well and mash with butter and milk until you achieve a creamy consistency. Season with salt to taste.

5. Assembling the pie:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. In a baking dish, spread the meat mixture evenly, then layer the mashed potatoes on top. Use a spatula to smooth out the mash, ensuring it completely covers the filling.

6. Baking:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-60 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are slightly golden around the edges. Optionally, you can sprinkle toasted cumin seeds on top for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This savory meat pie with apricots and potatoes is best served warm, alongside a fresh vegetable salad or pickles to balance the flavors. A recommended drink would be a light red wine or a fruit tea to complement the tasting experience.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Ground meat provides essential protein, while dried apricots are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Potatoes offer healthy carbohydrates, and the combination of vegetables adds necessary vitamins and minerals. A simple calculation indicates that each serving contains approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Possible Variations

- Vegetarian: You can replace the ground meat with lentils or chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as curry or paprika, to customize the flavor of the dish.
- Add-ins: You can add olives or red peppers for an extra splash of color and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use chicken meat? Yes, ground chicken is an excellent alternative and will make the dish lighter.
- How can I store the pie? It can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the oven before serving to restore its texture.
- Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking. Once thawed, bake it according to the instructions.

In conclusion, the savory meat pie with apricots and potatoes is not just a simple recipe but a story of flavors that you can share with your loved ones. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!