Meat pies

Meat pies are the perfect option for picnics, snacks or packed lunches. For best results, use only fresh ingredients, especially in regards to the minced meat.

Ingredients
Make 6 pieces
For the pastry
700g plain flour
50g Kimbo/margarine, chilled and diced
½ tsp salt
5-6 tbsp ice-cold water

For the filling
350g minced meat
1 level tbsp tomato paste
100g fresh peas, cooked
1 large potato, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1 green pepper, diced
25g plain flour
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 egg, beaten
1 small beef stock cube
150ml hot water
1 large egg, beaten
1 tbsp oil
Salt
You will need
A baking tray
A little extra Kimbo or margarine for greasing

Method

STEP 1. To make the pastry, sift the flour and salt together into a bowl. Add the Kimbo or margarine and rub into the flour with your fingertips, until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Make a well in the centre, add the ice-cold water and mix to a stiff dough. Wrap in cling film or a piece of polythene (kavera) and leave to rest for 30 mins.

STEP 2. Grease a baking tray and pre-heat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas mark 5.

STEP 3. Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add the minced meat and cook for 5 mins.

STEP 4. Stir in the tomato paste, onion, carrot, green pepper and potato. Cook for a further 5 mins. Sprinkle over the flour and cook for 1 min.

STEP 5. Crumble the beef stock cube and pour over the hot water to make beef stock. Pour the stock into the minced meat mixture. Add salt to taste and cook over low heat for 10 mins, or until the meat and vegetables are done. Add in the peas towards the end of the cooking and leave to cool.

STEP 7. Roll out the pastry on to a flat surface on which a little flour has been sprinkled. Sprinkle some flour also on to the rolling-pin. Roll the pastry into a large rectangular shape and cut into 15cm rounds, using a small bowl or saucer as a guide.

STEP 8. Spoon the mince mixture on to one half of each pastry round. Brush the edges with a little beaten egg and fold into half. Press the edges together and crimp with your fingertips. Brush a little egg over the top of each pastry.

STEP 9. Place on the baking tray and cook for 35 mins, or until golden brown.