Are you looking for a hearty, flavorful dish with a rich history? Look no further than this Native American Meat Pie recipe! This isn't your grandma's pie; it’s a savory delight, a testament to the ingenuity and deliciousness of Native American cuisine. Imagine a flaky, golden crust encasing a tender, richly spiced meat filling—a perfect comfort food for any occasion. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special family gathering. Let’s dive into this delicious journey through time!
Ingredients:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a simple yet impressive dish for both beginner and experienced cooks alike.
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or venison, for a more traditional twist)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create your Native American Meat Pie. Homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated!
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Making the Filling:
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), corn, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add filling: Pour the meat filling into the pie crust.
- Top with crust: Roll out the remaining dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal.
- Cut vents: Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Let the pie cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use venison instead of beef.
- Add other vegetables to the filling, such as chopped bell peppers, potatoes, or squash.
- For a spicier pie, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Brush the top crust with an egg wash for a beautiful golden brown finish.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This Native American Meat Pie recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or healthy meals packed with flavor. Enjoy this taste of history!