🍲 **Liberian Meat Pie 🇱🇷**
This delicious Liberian Meat Pie is a savory pastry filled with seasoned ground beef and colorful vegetables, encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for gatherings or as a comforting snack!
🌍 **What Is Liberian Meat Pie?**
Liberian Meat Pie is a popular snack in Liberia, often enjoyed at parties, celebrations, or as street food. It features a rich filling of ground beef and spices, all wrapped in a tender pastry that is baked to golden perfection.
🧾 **Ingredients**
**Base:**
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold)
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
**Optional:**
- 17 ounces ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- ½ bell pepper (chopped, any color)
- 1 teaspoon adobo or purple seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ beef bouillon cube (optional)
👩🍳 **Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Filling:**
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers; sauté for about 6 minutes.
- Add 17 ounces of ground beef to the pot and cook until browned.
2. **Season the Filling:**
- Stir in adobo seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, curry powder, and half a beef bouillon cube.
- Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
3. **Thicken the Filling:**
- Add ¼ cup of water and 2 tablespoons of flour to the mixture.
- Stir until combined, adding more water if necessary to keep the filling moist.
- Set the filling aside to cool.
4. **Make the Dough:**
- In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
- Cut in ½ cup of cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles crumbs.
5. **Add Water:**
- Gradually add ½ cup of cold water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Avoid overmixing; once combined, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6. **Roll Out the Dough:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use a round cutter (or a pot cover) to cut out circles of dough.
7. **Fill the Pies:**
- Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Brush the edges with the egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of milk) to help seal.
- Fold the dough over the filling and press with a fork to seal.
8. **Prepare for Baking:**
- Place the filled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and make three small slits on top for steam to escape.
9. **Bake:**
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary.
🍽️ **How to Serve**
Serve warm as a snack or appetizer. These meat pies pair well with a side of spicy dipping sauce or a fresh salad.
💡 **Pro Tips**
- Ensure your butter and water are cold for a flaky crust.
- Let the filling cool completely before adding it to the dough to prevent sogginess.
- Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
🔥 **Why You’ll Love This**
Liberian Meat Pies are not only delicious but also versatile. They are perfect for meal prep, parties, or simply as a satisfying snack. The combination of savory beef and spices wrapped in a flaky crust is sure to delight your taste buds!
