The popular Nigerian meat pie which has quite the semblance of beef patties known to Jamaicans is undoubtedly one of the tastiest snacks ever. Making this comes with very nostalgic feelings of my childhood, there was a popular spot where my mom would buy us some on our way to school in the mornings.
And because it was early in the day, we usually got their freshest batch, which means a rich and toasted crust filled with savory minced beef.
Have you tried some of our other sweet and savoury recipes The Secret Recipe to the Fluffiest Vanilla Cupcakes or How to Make the Fluffiest Pretzel Buns
What you Need to Know About Nigerian Meat Pie
Nigerian Meat Pie is a delicious snack made with seasoned ground beef and vegetable garnishes, all encased in a buttery, flaky pie crust. Every part of making the Nigerian meat pie is important. The pastry on the outside is as important as the tastiness of the beef on the inside of the pie. This recipe is a tested and trusted one, so I guarantee quality results if you stick to it.
It is pertinent you use the right amount of butter, flour, seasoning and sugar. The beef is cooked alongside other ingredients such as diced potatoes, carrots, diced onions and spring onions.
Have you tried out our sweet Toogbei/Wet Ghanaian Bofrot/Puff Puff ? You should!
Nigerian Meat Pie Ingredients
Here are some ingredients needed to make the Nigerian meat pie filling and pie crust:
Ground Beef
I used a combination of medium ground beef and lean ground beef but you can use whichever suits your preference.
Irish Potatoes
You can use golden, yellow, or white Irish potatoes. These will need to be evenly diced into small cubes and parboiled before adding them to the minced meat mix.
Carrots
These add a slight sweetness to the mix and will need to be diced into small cubes as well.
Spring Onions
This adds colour and vibrance to the meat filling.
All Purpose Flour
This is used to make the pie crust.
Salted Butter
Cold salted butter is needed, emphasis on cold if you want a flaky crust like mine. If you notice the dough getting sticky or warm, it should be kept in the fridge for a few minutes. This will make it more pliable.
Looking for another snack to explore its recipe? Try out How to Make the Famous Nigerian Chicken Pie
Season the ground beef using several common spices such as beef bouillon, thyme, salt, black pepper, etc.
How to Make Nigerian Meat Pie
Ingredients
Meat Pie Crust
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 sticks or 16 Tbsp cold salted butter
- 1 cup ice water
Beef Filling
- 3 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 Irish potatoes diced
- 2 carrots diced
- Spring onion chopped
- Salt to taste
- 2 Tbsp beef bouillon
- 1 Tbsp Spanish paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
Extras
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for thickening and surface dusting
- 1 egg egg-wash
Instructions
Instructions for Meat Pie Pastry
- In a large bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, cold butter and sugar, begin to use a mash or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour (you should end up with a grainy texture).
- Whisk together the 2 eggs and ice water, begin adding in bits just until the dough comes together roughly (it does not need to be smooth).
- Transfer to a floured surface and continue to mould until it has formed into a rough ball of dough. Cover with a plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Instructions for Ground Beef
- Boil your chopped potatoes for 5 mins in salted water, drain and set aside.
- Heat up a large pan and add in the vegetable oil and then the chopped onions and carrots.
- Go in with the ground beef and begin using your spatula or spoon to break the chunks of beef into smaller bits.
- Season with salt, beef bouillon, black and white pepper and paprika and keep frying on medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Add in the parboiled potatoes and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning at this point.
- Add in about a 1/4 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of water, cover with the lid and let cook on low heat for 3 minutes, it is ready when it has slightly thickened and there is no water at the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat and set it aside to cool.
Instructions for the Meat Pie
- Preheat oven to 400℉.
- Take out the cold dough, cut into 8 equal portions.
- Roll out each dough, find a nice rounded bowl and use it to cut out a round shape of dough.
- Use a scoop to add some of the meat-pie filling in the middle of the dough, take one side and cover the filling, making sure to pinch the edges to secure the filling.
- Use a fork to create strokes around the edges while sealing it tight to prevent the filling from escaping.
- Lay the pie on lined baking tray.
- Break the last egg into a bowl, whisk and lightly brush on each pie and then create 2-3 vents on each pie using a fork.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.
Video
Notes
- For butter, if you have the unsalted type, this is fine, simply add about a teaspoon of salt to your flour mix.
- The all-purpose flour used here can be swapped with flour of your choice, although I cannot guarantee same results.
- Ensure the heat is not low when frying the ground beef otherwise it will cook instead of fry.
