Nigerien Spiced Meat Pie

Ingredients

This adaptation of the British Savory Pie to Nigerien cuisine incorporates traditional Nigerien spices and flavors, giving it a distinct taste. The original British pie often includes ingredients like potatoes and carrots, whereas the Nigerien version focuses more on the meat filling and the aromatic spices. Additionally, the pastry crust in the Nigerien version may be slightly different, reflecting the local culinary preferences. We alse have the original recipe for Savory Pie, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef or lamb 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon flour 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 package of ready-made puff pastry sheets 1 package of ready-made puff pastry sheets
• 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): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. 4.
   Stir in the tomato paste, ground ginger, ground cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Gradually pour in the beef or vegetable broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
7. 7.
   Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut them into circles or squares, depending on your preference.
8. 8.
   Spoon the meat filling onto one half of each pastry shape, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. 9.
   Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
10. 10.
    Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and crispy.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let the pies cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Puff pastry — If you prefer a homemade pastry, you can make your own puff pastry dough using a recipe of your choice. Alternatively, you can find ready-made puff pastry sheets in the frozen section of most grocery stores.
• Nigerien spices — The combination of ginger, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and cloves gives this dish its unique Nigerien flavor. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference for a milder or spicier taste.
• Ground meat — While beef or lamb is commonly used in this recipe, you can also experiment with other meats such as chicken or turkey for a variation in flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a small amount of peanut butter to the meat filling.
• Serve the Nigerien Spiced Meat Pie with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meat with a mixture of cooked lentils and vegetables.
• Experiment with different shapes for the pies, such as triangles or rectangles, to add visual appeal to your presentation.
• Make sure to let the pies cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

Serving advice

Serve the Nigerien Spiced Meat Pie warm as a main course or as a delightful snack. Accompany it with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Nigerien Spiced Meat Pie, sprinkle some sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top of the pastry before baking. This adds a touch of visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.