Botswana-style Santa Clara Pie

Ingredients

In this Botswana-style adaptation of the Santa Clara Pie, we incorporate the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Botswana cuisine. The original Mexican recipe is transformed by using traditional Botswana spices and incorporating local ingredients such as beef and vegetables. The result is a unique fusion of flavors that pays homage to both culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Pastel de Santa Clara, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g beef, diced 500g beef, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup (150g) mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) 1 cup (150g) mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the ice water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the diced beef to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
5. 5.
   Stir in the ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, and chili powder, and cook for an additional minute to toast the spices.
6. 6.
   Add the mixed vegetables and beef broth to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. 8.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a pie dish. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish and press it gently into the bottom and sides.
9. 9.
   Pour the beef and vegetable filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
10. 10.
    Roll out the remaining dough and place it on top of the filling. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork or your fingers.
11. 11.
    Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, for the best results in terms of tenderness and flavor.
• Mixed vegetables — Feel free to use your favorite combination of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, corn, or green beans, to add color and texture to the filling.
• Ground coriander — For enhanced flavor, consider toasting whole coriander seeds and grinding them yourself using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
• Pie crust — Ensure the butter is cold and handle the dough as little as possible to achieve a flaky and tender crust.
• Chili powder — Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your desired level of spiciness.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the pie crust in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• For a richer flavor, you can marinate the beef in the spice mixture for a few hours before cooking.
• Serve the Botswana-style Santa Clara Pie with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the flavors.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the beef with mushrooms or tofu for a delicious plant-based alternative.
• Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Botswana-style Santa Clara Pie warm as a main course. Accompany it with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pie with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, before serving. Cut the pie into neat slices and arrange them on individual plates for an appealing presentation.