Meatpies, just the way Africans love it (Nigeria Meatpies)

I love meatpies, and nothing beats good old homemade meatpies. 

At the right size, your favorite meat pie qualifies for small chops as well!!!

Small chops are small finger foods served as appetizers or snacks at Nigerian parties. Whether you are hosting a small intimate event in your home or you just want to give your family a treat, this is one recipe you need to have!!!

INGREDIENTS

For the filling 

250g beef minced meat (fish,chicken, turkey or pork mince can also work).

Chilli pepper

1/2Tsp ground ginger

1/2Tsp ground garlic

2 eggs (one to add to the dough mix and the other to coat the Dough)

1stock cube

11/2 Tbsp flour or cornstarch

170ml water 

For the dough

500g plain flour (self raising flour can also be used. If using self raising, just leave out the baking powder and salt).

250g baking fat or just regular butter

140ml cold water 

2 eggs (1 for the dough and the other to wash the dough)

Pinch of salt

1 Tsp baking powder

PREPARATION

1. Add oil to a small pan, then pour in the minced meat

2. Add in stock cube, garlic,diced chilli peppers and ginger

3. Stir to combine.. Then allow to cook for 5mins

4. After 5mins add in the water, cover with a lid allowing to cook for 3mins before adding in the flour (the flour helps to thicken the broth and create the right pasty consistency for the filling).

5. It should look like the picture below. Pour in a small clean bowl to cool.

6. In a big bowl measure in the flour, baking powder, salt, butter, one egg, then add in the water.. (Another option will be to crumb the dough - dry ingredients with butter- before adding in the wet ingredients). But I prefer this method. 

7. With your hands or dough mixer, combine the mix together until the dough cleans off the bowl 

8. Place in the fridge or in a cold place for 45mins or more (I leave mine for up to 24 hours.. The longer the better in my opinion)

9. Now we are ready to make our pies (make sure to get the dough out from the fridge or cold place 10mins before rolling out... Start by deciding what size of pie you need (big or small).

10. Now roll out, using a rolling pin.. Then cut out the shapes required, next add in the cold cooked minced meat.

11. Now brush one side of the dough with egg wash.. (This helps to seal the pastry when folded)

12. Then fold over, using the tip of your fingers to press the edges down to seal.

13. Lock in the edges, using a fork

14. Next, pierce some holes (this allows air to escape, and gives the distinct look we've come to associate with our meatpies) 

15. Once all done, wash the dough with egg wash.. Then bake in the oven for 20-30mins depending on size and oven temperature. I baked at 180oc electric fan oven. 

16. And they are ready, place them on a airy rack to cool down 

Don't dey look absolutely gorgeous??? Would be a sin to eat them... NOT lollll!!!