Savory Croatian Meat Pie

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cooked and shredded 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cooked and shredded
• 500g (1.1 lb) pork, cooked and shredded 500g (1.1 lb) pork, cooked and shredded
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 500g (1.1 lb) puff pastry 500g (1.1 lb) puff pastry
• 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, 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• 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 chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the shredded beef and pork to the skillet, along with the paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit the size of your baking dish.
5. 5.
   Line the bottom of the baking dish with half of the puff pastry, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
6. 6.
   Spoon the meat filling onto the pastry, spreading it evenly.
7. 7.
   Cover the filling with the remaining puff pastry, sealing the edges by pressing them together.
8. 8.
   Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg to create a golden-brown crust.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Puff pastry — Ensure that the puff pastry is thawed properly before rolling it out. If it becomes too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Beef and pork — Cook the meat until it is tender and easily shredded. You can use a slow cooker or simmer it on the stovetop with some water and seasoning until it reaches the desired tenderness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a sprinkle of grated cheese on top of the meat filling before covering it with the second layer of puff pastry.
• Serve the Savory Croatian Meat Pie with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables to add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat filling.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the meat filling.

Serving advice

Slice the Savory Croatian Meat Pie into individual portions and serve it warm. It pairs well with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on the side for added creaminess.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the meat pie with a sprig of fresh herbs, such as parsley or rosemary. This adds a touch of color and freshness to the dish.