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#### Instructions:
##### 1. **Make the Pastry Dough**:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Once the dough has formed, divide it into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
##### 2. **Prepare the Filling**:
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat, then sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and tomato paste, and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes, until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Stir in the dried thyme, black pepper, and salt to taste. Remove from heat and let it cool while you prepare the pastry.
##### 3. **Roll Out the Pastry**:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough. Re-roll the scraps of dough to cut more circles if needed. Repeat with the second portion of dough to ensure you have enough circles to form the top and bottom of each hand pie.
##### 4. **Assemble the Hand Pies**:
Spoon a generous amount of the cooled beef filling into the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as it may cause the pies to burst during baking. Place another dough circle on top and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, and make a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
##### 5. **Egg Wash and Bake**:
In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the tops of each hand pie for a golden, glossy finish. Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
##### 6. **Serve and Enjoy**:
Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your **Flaky Australian Beef Hand Pies** hot, paired with some tomato sauce or your favorite dipping sauce!
### Tips for Perfect Australian Meat Pies
– **Use Cold Butter**: For the flakiest crust, ensure that the butter is as cold as possible when making the dough. This creates pockets of butter that, when baked, puff up and create a tender, flaky texture.
– **Chill the Dough**: Don’t skip the step of chilling the dough. This will help it hold its shape while baking and result in a more tender crust.
– **Beef Alternatives**: While ground beef is the traditional filling, you can also use ground lamb, pork, or a combination of meats for a unique twist.
– **Make Ahead**: You can make the hand pies ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Just bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.
### Why You’ll Love Australian Meat Pies
**Australian Beef Hand Pies** are the perfect combination of **savory, hearty filling** and **flaky, buttery crust**. They’re incredibly satisfying and make for an easy meal that can be eaten on the go or enjoyed as part of a cozy dinner at home. The rich beef filling, combined with the crisp pastry, offers a comforting bite that will keep you coming back for more.
Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a game day snack, or just because you crave something indulgent, these hand pies are sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a little slice of Australia with this simple yet delicious recipe.
### Final Thoughts
The **Australian Beef Hand Pie** is a beloved dish that combines the best of savory flavors and flaky, buttery pastry. By making it at home, you can enjoy an authentic taste of Australian comfort food with all the satisfaction that comes from preparing a dish from scratch. So, roll up your sleeves, get baking, and experience the joy of these irresistible meat pies that will quickly become a family favorite.
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