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### **Instructions:**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling**
1. **Cook the meat**: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat **2 tablespoons of butter** (or oil) over medium heat. Add the **ground beef** (or your choice of ground meat) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. **Sauté the vegetables**: Add the **chopped onion**, **garlic**, and **carrot** to the pan with the meat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. If you’re using peas, add them now and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. **Thicken the mixture**: Stir in the **flour** and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. This step will help thicken the gravy in the filling.
4. **Add liquids and seasoning**: Pour in the **beef or chicken broth**, **Worcestershire sauce**, and **tomato paste** (if using). Stir well to combine. Add the **dried thyme**, and season with **salt and pepper** to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens into a rich, gravy-like consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once thickened, remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry**
1. **Preheat the oven**: Set your oven to **375°F (190°C)** to preheat while you prepare the pastry.
2. **Roll out the puff pastry**: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of the **puff pastry** to fit your pie dish or baking pan. If your pastry is pre-rolled, simply unfold and place it in the dish.
3. **Line the pie dish**: Gently place the rolled pastry into a pie dish, making sure the edges fit into the corners. You can trim any excess pastry that hangs over the sides. If you’re making individual pies, you can use smaller ramekins or pie tins.
4. **Add the filling**: Spoon the slightly cooled meat filling into the pastry-lined dish, spreading it out evenly. Be careful not to overfill, as the pastry needs space to rise and crisp up.
#### **Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie**
1. **Top with the second sheet of pastry**: Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry and place it over the filled pie. Gently press the edges to seal the top and bottom pastry layers together. Trim any excess pastry around the edges, leaving about an inch of overlap. You can use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative pattern, sealing the pie.
2. **Make a vent**: Using a sharp knife, cut a small slit or several slits in the top pastry to allow steam to escape as the pie bakes. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
3. **Brush with egg wash**: To achieve a golden, glossy finish, brush the top of the pie with the **beaten egg**. This will give the pastry a beautiful sheen once baked.
4. **Bake the pie**: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for **25-30 minutes**, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes to make sure it doesn’t over-brown.
#### **Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**
1. **Cool slightly**: After removing the pie from the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will help the filling set and make it easier to serve.
2. **Slice and serve**: Slice your savory meat pie into wedges and serve hot with a side salad, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
### **Why This Savory Meat Pie is a Winner:**
– **Flaky and Buttery Crust**: The puff pastry creates a light, crispy shell that melts in your mouth with every bite. Its buttery flavor complements the savory filling perfectly.
– **Comforting and Hearty**: With the combination of seasoned meat, vegetables, and a rich gravy, this pie is a satisfying dish that will comfort you on chilly evenings or whenever you’re in the mood for something filling.
– **Simple Ingredients**: The recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients, including **plain puff pastry**, which saves you time while still giving you that homemade taste.
– **Customizable**: Whether you prefer **ground beef**, **chicken**, or even **lamb**, this savory pie can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. You can also play with the vegetables, adding mushrooms, potatoes, or spinach for more variety.
### **Additional Tips and Variations:**
– **Add cheese**: For extra richness, try adding a layer of **cheese** (cheddar or mozzarella works great) between the meat filling and the pastry.
– **Vegetarian version**: Swap the meat for a hearty vegetable filling, such as sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a mix of potatoes, carrots, and peas, for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
– **Individual pies**: If you prefer individual portions, you can use small ramekins or muffin tins to create mini meat pies. Just be sure to adjust the baking time to ensure they cook thoroughly.
### **Conclusion:**
This **Savory Meat Pie with Plain Puff Pastry** is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth, flavor, and satisfaction to the table. With a golden, crispy crust and a rich, savory filling, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just a cozy night in, this pie will become a staple in your recipe collection. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and utterly delicious—what’s not to love? Enjoy!
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