Central American Spiced Meat Pie

Ingredients

In this Central American adaptation of the Australian Meat Pie, we infuse the filling with Central American spices to give it a distinct flavor profile. The traditional Australian meat pie is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, while our Central American version incorporates spices such as cumin, paprika, chili powder, and oregano. This adds a delightful warmth and depth of flavor to the dish, making it a unique fusion of cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Meat Pie, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 sheets of pre-made pie crust 2 sheets of pre-made pie crust
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. 4.
   Stir in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, beef broth, and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Roll out one sheet of pie crust and line a pie dish with it. Pour the meat mixture into the pie crust.
6. 6.
   Cover the filling with the second sheet of pie crust. Seal the edges by crimping them together with a fork.
7. 7.
   Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to create a golden finish.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
9. 9.
   Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can also substitute ground chicken or turkey.
• Tomato paste — Look for a brand that uses only tomatoes and salt, without any added sugars or preservatives.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a diced jalapeño pepper to the filling.
• Serve the meat pie with a side of tangy salsa or guacamole for a Central American twist.
• If you prefer a spicier pie, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Make mini meat pies by using a muffin tin and cutting the pie crust into smaller circles.
• Leftover meat pie can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Central American Spiced Meat Pie hot, straight from the oven. Accompany it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the meat pie with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley. Cut it into neat slices and serve on individual plates for an elegant touch.