Meat and mushroom pie with homemade dough

Meat and Mushroom Pie is a dish that perfectly combines the rich flavor of meat with the delicate aroma of mushrooms, all encased in a tender and delicious crust. This recipe not only provides a hearty lunch or dinner but also evokes pleasant childhood memories when every meal was a celebration of flavors. Here’s how to make a Meat and Mushroom Pie, step by step.

Preparation Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: approximately 16, depending on how you cut it

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour (approximately, as needed)
- 200 g butter
- 3 generous tablespoons of yogurt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet baking powder
- 2 eggs

For the meat filling:
- 600 g ground meat (pork, beef, or a combination)
- 1 large onion
- 1 grated carrot
- 1 egg
- Salt, pepper, sweet paprika – to taste
- Mushrooms (optional, to taste)

For garnish:
- 100 g grated cheese
- 1 well-beaten egg

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Dough

Start by preparing the dough, which will be the perfect base for your pie. In a large bowl, add 200 g of softened butter (at room temperature) and the 2 eggs. Mix well with a spatula or whisk. Then, add the yogurt, salt, and baking powder.

Practical Tips:
- Make sure the butter is soft to incorporate easily into the dough.
- You can use Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.

Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously until the dough becomes firm enough to knead. You may need to adjust the amount of flour, so add it gradually until the dough no longer sticks to your hands.

Once you have a homogeneous dough, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough into a thin sheet. Take a few small pieces of butter and place them sporadically on the sheet. Then, fold the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

2. Chilling and Rolling the Dough

After 30 minutes, take the dough out of the refrigerator and repeat the process of rolling it out, placing the butter, and folding it again. This process will strengthen the dough and give it a flaky texture. It is recommended to repeat this step 3 times for the best results.

3. Preparing the Meat Filling

In a skillet, add a little oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Then, add the ground meat and fry well, stirring occasionally. Once the meat is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and add salt, pepper, sweet paprika, the grated carrot, and the beaten egg. Mix well until combined.

Possible Variations:
- You can add herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.
- If you like mushrooms, add them now to the filling to sauté together with the onion and meat.

4. Assembling the Pie

Sprinkle flour on the work surface and divide the dough into two pieces. Roll out each piece with a rolling pin. Place the first sheet of dough in a baking dish lined with parchment paper, ensuring it is evenly spread.

Add the meat filling to the dish and spread it evenly. If desired, sprinkle mushrooms generously on top. Then, roll out the second sheet of dough and cover the filling. Make sure the edges are well sealed.

From the excess dough, you can shape decorative forms to place on top of the pie for a more appealing look.

5. Baking the Pie

Brush the pie with beaten egg for a golden and delicious crust. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top for added flavor. Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (approximately 180°C) and bake the pie for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Baking Tips:
- Check the pie occasionally to ensure it doesn't burn.
- If you notice it browning too quickly, you can cover the pie with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Serving and Recommendations

Once the pie is baked, let it cool slightly before cutting. Serve it warm alongside a fresh vegetable salad for a refreshing contrast. This pie is also perfect for packing, so you can enjoy it the next day, either warm or cold.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of meat in the filling? Yes, you can experiment with chicken or turkey, depending on your preferences.
- How can I store the pie? You can keep it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze it for later use.

Nutritional Benefits

This Meat and Mushroom Pie is an excellent source of protein due to the meat, while mushrooms add fiber and antioxidants. When consumed in moderation, the pie can be part of a balanced diet.

Final Note

This Meat and Mushroom Pie recipe is not just a delicious meal but also a way to bring family and friends together. Whether it's a special occasion or an ordinary dinner, this pie will surely bring smiles to everyone's faces. Enjoy!