Savory Meat Pie with Plain Puff Pastry

### **Instructions for Savory Meat Pie**

#### 1. **Prepare the Filling**

Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Next, add the ground meat to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using a fattier meat like lamb, be sure to drain off any excess fat once the meat is browned.

Add the diced carrot, peas, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes. The tomato paste will help deepen the flavor of the meat mixture.

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine. This will help thicken the filling as it cooks. Gradually add the broth while stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook the mixture for another 3-5 minutes until it thickens to a nice, hearty consistency. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Once the filling is done, remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly while you prepare the puff pastry.

#### 2. **Prepare the Puff Pastry**

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using a square sheet of puff pastry, you may need to cut it into a circle that fits the size of your pie dish. A standard 9-inch pie dish works perfectly for this recipe.

Carefully line the pie dish with the puff pastry, pressing it gently into the edges and trimming off any excess pastry. Ensure the bottom and sides of the dish are covered with pastry, leaving a little extra hanging over the edges for the top of the pie.

#### 3. **Assemble the Pie**

Once the filling has cooled slightly, pour it into the prepared pie crust. Use a spoon to evenly spread the filling out across the dish.

Next, place another sheet of puff pastry over the top of the pie. Trim any excess dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Press the edges of the top and bottom pastry together to seal the pie. You can crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers for a decorative finish.

Cut a few small slits in the top of the pie with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape while baking.

#### 4. **Brush with Egg Wash and Bake**

Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden-brown color as it bakes. This step is optional but highly recommended for a glossy, appetizing finish.

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed up. The crust should be beautifully flaky, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges.

#### 5. **Cool and Serve**

Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Slice the pie into wedges and serve it warm. This savory meat pie pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables.

### **Tips for Perfect Savory Meat Pie**

– **Customize the Filling**: Feel free to get creative with the ingredients in the filling. Add some mushrooms for extra flavor, or swap the peas for corn or other vegetables. You can even use a combination of meats like beef and pork for a richer flavor.
– **Use Homemade Puff Pastry**: While store-bought puff pastry is convenient, homemade puff pastry will give the pie an even flakier, more buttery texture. If you have the time, try making your own!
– **Make Mini Pies**: Instead of making one large pie, you can make individual-sized meat pies by cutting the puff pastry into smaller circles and using muffin tins to shape them. Perfect for parties or meal prep!
– **Make Ahead**: This pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just assemble the pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

### **Serving Ideas**

This Savory Meat Pie makes for a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded dinner. Here are a few ideas:

– **Green Salad**: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will complement the richness of the pie.
– **Roasted Vegetables**: Serve the pie with roasted root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or parsnips for a comforting meal.
– **Mashed Potatoes**: For a truly indulgent dinner, serve the meat pie with creamy mashed potatoes or a rich potato gratin.

### **Final Thoughts**

Savory Meat Pie with Plain Puff Pastry is the ultimate comfort food—rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor. With its tender, savory filling and buttery, flaky crust, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.

So next time you’re craving something hearty and delicious, roll out some puff pastry and get ready to enjoy a comforting slice of this savory meat pie!