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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
1. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. **Add Butter**: Add the cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. **Add Water**: Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. **Chill the Dough**: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
#### Step 2: Make the Beef Filling
1. **Cook the Beef**: In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Remove any excess fat.
2. **Sauté Vegetables**: Add the chopped onion, garlic, grated carrot, and potato to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. **Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings**: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything together, then sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine.
4. **Simmer the Filling**: Pour in the beef broth and stir. Let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the filling becomes a thick, hearty consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly.
#### Step 3: Assemble the Pies
1. **Roll Out the Dough**: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cutter (about 4–5 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough.
2. **Fill the Pies**: Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill.
3. **Seal the Pies**: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal the pies tightly.
4. **Egg Wash**: Brush the top of each pie with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden finish.
#### Step 4: Bake
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Bake the Pies**: Place the hand pies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and flaky.
3. **Cool and Serve**: Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving.
### Tips for Perfect Australian Meat Pies:
– **Chilled Dough**: Make sure the pastry dough is chilled before rolling it out. This helps maintain a flaky texture during baking.
– **Customize the Filling**: You can experiment with the filling by adding peas, mushrooms, or other vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture.
– **Make Ahead**: You can make these pies in advance and freeze them. Just bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
### Conclusion:
These flaky Australian beef hand pies are the ultimate comfort food. With their rich and flavorful filling wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a family dinner or hosting a party, these savory pies will be a hit with everyone. Enjoy them hot from the oven, or pack them up for a lunch on the go. This simple recipe will bring a taste of Australia right to your kitchen!
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