This easy Nigerian meat pie recipe will have your family and friends coming back for more! The main ingredients are flour, butter, minced beef and potatoes.

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History

Lagos was the capital of Nigeria in the 1900s and It was also the main port of entry for British colonizers, migrants and traders. As a result, many different foods and ingredients were introduced to Nigerians. One of these products was flour and popular Nigerian snacks such as chin chin, puff puff and meat pie were created.

What is Inside Meat Pie?

Nigerian meat pie is inspired by British Cornish pasties. Nigerian meat pies include more spices, vegetables and potatoes.

Top tips When Making Meat Pie

Make sure you fill the pastry with a good amount minced beef filling. There is nothing worse than an empty meat pie.
Add a considerable amount of the water and flour mix to the filling to prevent dryness and ensure your filling stays moist after baking.
Taste your minced beef filling and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Do not overcook the minced beef as it will become dry and rubbery.
Do not knead the pastry too much as this will result in a tough pastry.
Make sure that the margarine and water used to make the pastry are cold before you use them.
Once you have combined the butter and flour the mixture should look like breadcrumbs.
Lightly brush your pies with egg wash for a beautiful golden-brown coloured meat pie.

How to Make Nigerian Meat Pie

Heat a splash of oil in a large pan. Then add 1 diced large onion and cook for a few minutes. Add 750g of minced beef, salt to taste, pepper to taste, a pinch of thyme, stir and cook for 3-5 minutes. Add 2 Knorr chicken stock cubes, 3-4 wash, peeled and diced potatoes, 4-5 diced carrots and 1-2 cups of flour mix and stir. Leave to cook for 5-7 minutes or until done. Set aside and leave to cool. Flour mix includes: 1-2 cups of water mixed with 2-3 tbsp of flour.
Meanwhile, add 1.5kg of plain flour, 3 tsp baking powder, 1-2 tsp of salt and 750g small chunks of cold margarine into a large mixing bowl. Combine flour mix and butter together by rubbing both together using your fingertips. Alternatively, you can add the flour mix and butter to a food processor and pulse until the mix looks like breadcrumbs.
Pour in 375-450ml /2-3 cups of cold water cold water and mix everything together until it forms a ball. Then, knead the dough and leave to sit for 7-10 minutes.
Preheat oven at 170°C. Divide the dough into two to make it easier. Use a rolling pin to flatten the first dough (it should be about 5mm thick). Use something circular to cut out the pastry the pie. Add the minced beef filling to the center of the pastry and use egg mix to seal the pie. Use a fork to seal the edges and lightly brush the pie with egg mix. Repeat this step for each pie. Egg mix: beat two eggs in a bowl
Grease a large oven tray with margarine and bake pies for 30-40 minutes.
Get ready to eat!

When to Serve Meat Pie

Meat pie is usually served as a starter or side at celebratory events. It is normally served along side scotch eggs, chin chin, puff puff, samosas and spring rolls.

Where Can I find Meat Pie?

In Nigeria meat pie is sold at a very affordable price by street food vendors and fast food restaurants. People often eat meat pie when they are on the go or hungry for a quick snack.

Alternatives to The Nigerian Meat Pie Recipe

Traditionally Nigerian meat pies contain carrots, potatoes and minced beef. However, do feel free to experiment and add your favourite ingredients. For example, you can add peas, or you can even omit the vegetables all together. It really is up to you!

For a vegan Nigerian “Meat Pie” replace the minced beef with a blended cauliflower head and follow the same steps above.

This recipe also works with seafood. Pan fry prawns, squid and mackerel for a delicious meat free filling.

How to Store Meat Pie

Meat pie can be frozen for up to 2 months and refrigerated for up to a week.

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