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“Savory Meat-Filled Pastries: A Perfect Handheld Delight”
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup water
- For the Filling:
- 500 grams ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat the egg with water and gradually mix into the flour mixture until a dough forms. Knead briefly, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling:
- In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned.
- Add onions and garlic, cooking until they are soft. Stir in spices and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat, stir in chopped herbs, and set aside to cool.
- Assemble the Pastries:
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut out rounds using a large cookie cutter or the rim of a bowl.
- Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each dough round.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
- Baking the Pastries:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Beat an egg with a tablespoon of water and brush the egg wash over the pastries.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serving:
- Serve the pastries warm, ideally with a side of dipping sauces like chimichurri, salsa, or a simple yogurt dip.
Conclusion:
These meat-filled pastries are wonderfully versatile and can be customized with different fillings based on your preferences. They are perfect for making ahead of time as they freeze well and can be reheated for a quick meal or snack. Enjoy the delicious combination of flaky pastry and savory filling with each bite!
