Nigerian Meat Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nigerian Meat Pie is a savory pastry that’s a beloved snack in Nigeria and across West Africa. Filled with a deliciously seasoned mixture of ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions, all encased in a golden, flaky pastry crust, this meat pie is both hearty and comforting. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, Nigerian Meat Pies are perfect for gatherings, lunchboxes, or any occasion where you want something savory and satisfying. The best part is, they’re easy to make and customizable to your taste, so you can enjoy a homemade version of this classic African treat.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken or lamb)

• 1 large potato, peeled and diced

• 1/2 cup carrots, diced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon curry powder (optional)

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1/4 cup cold water (more if needed)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Filling:

1. Cook the Filling: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the diced potatoes, carrots, curry powder, thyme, paprika, white pepper, ginger, and salt to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes.

4. Simmer: Add the broth, cover, and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the filling has thickened. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool.

For the Dough:

5. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

6. Add Water: Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Knead gently until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a bit more water.

7. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm it up before rolling out.

Assembling the Pies:

8. Roll out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.

9. Add the Filling: Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle.

10. Seal the Pies: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal the pies tightly.

11. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.

12. Bake: Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.

13. Serve: Allow the pies to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm as a snack, appetizer, or main dish!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 pies

• Prep time: 30 minutes

• Cook time: 45 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of mushrooms, lentils, and vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly meat pie.

• Spicy Option: Add chopped green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for some extra heat.

• Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, mix shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella into the filling before sealing the pies.

• Ground Chicken or Lamb: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground chicken or lamb for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover meat pies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: These pies freeze well! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use puff pastry for the dough?

Yes, you can use puff pastry as a shortcut for the dough. Simply thaw it, roll it out, and cut it into circles. The texture will be flakier, but the flavor will still be delicious.

2. Can I make these pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pies in advance and refrigerate or freeze them before baking. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the fridge or freezer.

3. Can I use mashed potatoes in the filling?

Yes, you can use mashed potatoes instead of diced potatoes for a smoother filling. If you do, reduce the amount of broth used so the filling isn’t too watery.

4. Can I make these pies without meat?

Yes, for a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based meat substitutes like lentils, beans, or even sautéed vegetables in place of the meat.

5. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to seal the edges of the pies tightly by pressing them with a fork. You can also chill the pies for 10 minutes before baking to help keep the filling in place during cooking.

6. Can I use a different type of filling?

Absolutely! You can try other fillings such as chicken, seafood, or even a combination of vegetables. Just ensure the filling is thick enough not to leak out during baking.

7. Can I bake these meat pies in a different shape?

Yes, you can make mini square or rectangular pies by cutting the dough into squares or rectangles instead of using circles. Just adjust the baking time if necessary.

8. How do I make the dough more flaky?

For a flakier crust, you can use cold butter and even chill the dough for a few minutes before rolling it out. You can also try incorporating a bit of chilled water or adding a small amount of vinegar to the dough.

9. Can I make these pies without eggs?

Yes, you can brush the pies with a dairy-free milk alternative like almond milk if you want to avoid using eggs for the egg wash.

10. How do I serve these meat pies?

Nigerian meat pies are delicious on their own or paired with a side of fresh salad, coleslaw, or dipping sauces like ketchup or hot sauce.

Conclusion

Nigerian Meat Pies are the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for snacking, entertaining, or serving as a meal. With a flaky, buttery crust and a flavorful, savory filling of ground beef, vegetables, and spices, they’re both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re making them for a party, picnic, or just to enjoy at home, these hand-held savory treats are sure to be a hit!