Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Belizean meat pie recipe is a true culinary gem, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a delightful blend of savory spices and tender meat encased in a flaky, golden crust. This recipe offers a simple yet impressive homemade dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Prepare to be transported to the vibrant flavors of Belize with each delightful bite!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shortening or lard (for a richer flavor)
- ½ cup ice water (approximately, add more as needed)
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in shortening: Add the shortening and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water gradually: Slowly add the ice water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
Preparing the Filling:
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add spices and tomatoes: Stir in the cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute. Add the diced tomatoes and Rotel; season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Cool the filling: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool completely before assembling the pies. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
Assembling and Baking the Meat Pies:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough into a large circle (approximately 12 inches in diameter).
- Add the filling: Spoon the cooled meat filling onto one half of the circle, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Fold and crimp: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork to create a decorative finish. You can cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Place the meat pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the meat pie cool slightly before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust, use lard instead of shortening.
- Add other vegetables to the filling, such as carrots, potatoes, or peas.
- If you prefer a spicier pie, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder.
- You can make individual mini meat pies using muffin tins for a fun appetizer.
- Leftover meat pie is delicious reheated.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients and portion size. Use a nutrition calculator for a more precise estimate. Expect a high calorie, high protein, and moderate fat content typical of a meat pie.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Belizean meat pie! This recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It's a great addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, showcasing the best of homemade cooking. Let us know how yours turns out!