Lunches
Aussie Meat Pie
Ingredients
- - Beef mince - 500 g (1.1 lb)
- - Beef stock - 250 ml (1 cup)
- - Onion, diced - 1 medium
- - Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
- - Worcestershire sauce - 1 tbsp
- - Tomato paste - 2 tbsp
- - Cornflour (cornstarch) - 2 tbsp
- - Shortcrust pastry - 1 sheet (for base)
- - Puff pastry - 1 sheet (for lid)
- - Egg, beaten (for egg wash) - 1 egg
- - Salt - 1/2 tsp
- - Black pepper - 1/4 tsp
- - Vegetable oil - 1 tbsp
Method
- Heat oil in a saucepan and sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add beef mince and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Mix cornflour with 2 tbsp water and stir into the mince to thicken. Simmer 2 more minutes, then cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Line pie tins with shortcrust pastry.
- Fill with the cooled meat mixture, top with puff pastry lids, and press edges to seal.
- Brush tops with egg wash and cut a small slit for steam to escape.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Introduction: The meat pie is often called Australia’s unofficial national dish.
Cultural Background: The meat pie is often called Australia’s unofficial national dish. Sold at footy matches, bakeries, and servos (petrol stations) nationwide, it consists of minced beef in gravy encased in flaky pastry. Australians eat an estimated 270 million meat pies every year.
Tips: Always cool the filling before adding to pastry to prevent sogginess. Serve with tomato sauce, the traditional Australian accompaniment.
Variations: Add peas and carrots for a heartier filling. Use a mashed potato topping instead of puff pastry for a “pie floater” style base.
Storage: Refrigerate baked pies for up to 3 days, or freeze unbaked pies for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes until heated through and pastry is crisp again.
Nutrition: Calories: 540 kcal | Protein: 22 g | Carbs: 38 g | Fat: 32 g | Sodium: 620 mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I make mini party pies?
A: Yes, use small muffin tins and reduce baking time to 15-18 minutes.
Q: What sauce goes best with a meat pie?
A: Tomato sauce is the classic Australian pairing.