Nigerian meat pie is a delicious and savoury pastry that is a popular snack in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. It is a portable snack that is perfect for any occasion, be it a party, picnic, or a quick on-the-go meal.
The meat pie is made with a savoury filling of seasoned minced meat and vegetables, encased in a crispy, flaky pastry. In this article, we will explore the recipe for making Nigerian meat pie.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter or margarine
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the filling:
- 1 lb minced meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, diced
- 1 medium-sized onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter or margarine, and mix until you get a crumbly mixture.
- Add the water and milk, and mix until you get a smooth dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes soft and pliable.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface, to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a cup to cut out circles from the dough.
- In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions become translucent.
- Add the minced meat, potatoes, curry powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat is cooked through.
- Add the water and stir well. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly thickened.
- Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the centre of each dough circle. Fold the circle in half to cover the filling, and press the edges together to seal.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pies, and brush the top of each pie with the beaten egg.
- Place the meat pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Remove the meat pies from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Best ways this meat pie can be served
Nigerian meat pie is a versatile snack that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some of the best ways to serve this delicious snack:
- As a snack: Nigerian meat pie is a perfect snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. It is a portable snack that can be taken on the go or eaten as a quick bite between meals.
- With a side dish: Nigerian meat pie can be served with a side dish such as coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad. This makes for a more substantial meal and can be a great option for lunch or dinner.
- As part of a party platter: Nigerian meat pies can be included as part of a party platter, along with other snacks such as samosas, spring rolls, and chicken wings. This is a great way to serve a variety of snacks to your guests and is perfect for parties and gatherings.
- With a dipping sauce: Nigerian meat pies can be served with a dipping sauce such as tomato ketchup, sweet chilli sauce, or garlic aioli. This adds an extra dimension of flavour to the pies and makes them even more delicious.
- As a main dish: Nigerian meat pies can be served as a main dish alongside a side of rice or mashed potatoes. This is a more substantial meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
There are many ways to serve Nigerian meat pie, and it is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings.
Whether you serve it as a snack, with a side dish, as part of a party platter, with a dipping sauce, or as a main dish, the Nigerian meat pie is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Nutritional value of Nigerian meat pie
However, it is important to consider its nutritional value before consuming it regularly. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional value of Nigerian meat pie per serving (one pie):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fibre: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
As you can see, the Nigerian meat pie is relatively high in calories and fat, with a significant amount of saturated fat. It also contains a moderate amount of protein and carbohydrates. The pie is also high in sodium, which can be a concern for people with high blood pressure or heart disease.
The meat filling in the pie is a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in the body. The potatoes and vegetables in the filling provide some fibre and vitamins, but the amount is relatively small compared to the total calorie and fat content of the pie.
Nigerian meat pie can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, but it should not be relied upon as a significant source of nutrition. To make the snack healthier, you can consider using leaner meat, reducing the amount of butter or margarine in the pastry, and adding more vegetables to the filling.
Conclusion
Nigerian meat pies are best served warm and can be enjoyed as a snack or a light meal. They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave. Nigerian meat pies are a delicious and satisfying snack that is sure to impress your friends and family.
