An Australian meat pie is a hand-sized meat pastry that contains diced or minced meat and gravy, sometimes with onion, mushrooms, or cheese, and is often eaten as a snack.
The meat pie in Australia and New Zealand is regarded to be iconic. In 2003, former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr defined it as the “national dish” of Australia.
New Zealanders consider the meat pie to be part of New Zealand cuisine, and it is part of the national identity of New Zealand.
AUSSIE MEAT PIE
- Author: Romae Chanice Marquez
- Recipe Category: Snacks / Appetizers
- Cuisine: Australian
An Aussie icon, this classic pie recipe is produced from a shortcut foundation and a rich, slender gravy beef. The whole preparation and cooking time is around 1 hour. This recipe serves at least six people.
Aussie meat pie is considered a national dish in Australia. Photo credits to: @tuckersilkmill.
Aussie Meat Pie Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 large brown onion, finely chopped
- 500g of lean beef mince
- 1 tablespoon of cornflour
- 3/4 cup of Massel beef stock
- 3/4 cup of tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon of Vegemite
- 2 sheets of frozen shortcrust pastry, thawed
- 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg, beaten
Aussie Meat Pie Instructions
Step 1: Heat oil over medium to high heat in a casserole. Combine with onion. Cook until smooth for 3 minutes. Add mince. Cook for 4 minutes or until browned.
Step 2: To form a paste, mix the cornflour with 1 tablespoon of stock. Add the rest of the stock. Add stock, sauces, and vegetables. Bring to heat. Reduce to medium-low heat. Simmer until dense for 8 minutes. Cool.
Step 3: Preheat oven to 220°C.
Step 4: Place a baking tray into the oven. Grease 4 x 8 cm base measurement pie pans.
Step 5: Cut 4 x 15 cm circles from the shortcrust pastry. Use to line bases and sides of pans. Fill with mince. Brush rims with water.
Step 6: Place over meat. Press to seal. Trim and brush with egg. After, it is ready to season.
Step 7: Place pies onto the hot tray and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. After baking, serve with a cold beverage if you desire.
Aussie Meat Pie Additional Information
- Per serving has 16.3 g of protein, 19.8 g of fat, and at least 350 calories.
- Most meat pies are served frozen.
- Meat pies are popular in the United Kingdom, Australia, Ghana, Nigeria, Europe, New Zealand, Canada, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
- Recipe serves at least 6 people.
- Prep/cook time is around 1 hour.
About Aussie Meat Pie Recipe
The meat pie was first discovered around 9500 BC in the Neolithic Period. The ancient diet of the Egyptians first included pies made of oat, wheat, rye, and barley, filled with honey and baked over warm coals.
In both Australia and New Zealand, the meat pie is a typical convenience food often found in gas stations, stores, and fast-food restaurants. There are different regional and international variations of meat pie.
Latin Americans meat empanadas that are similar in a way with meat pie; various pastry shells and fillings are used, and they may be baked or fried. Empanadas usually contain lots of onion and green or red pepper, in combination with meat or fish. In Nigeria, their meat pie is similar to the Jamaican beef patty. It can be baked or fried, and the filling can be almost anything aside from minced beef.
Conclusion
Meat pies have several variations around the world. Just like the Aussie meat pie, they have played a significant role in their daily diet. Aside from being a savory snack, meat pies are also healthy.
Featured Image: @beefyspies / Instagram, @lucafrankde / Instagram
