Maltas Meat and Vegetable Pie

This Maltas meat and vegetable pie is a savory delight that combines the richness of minced beef with the freshness of vegetables, enveloped in a tender pastry crust. It's a fulfilling dish perfect for a family meal or a comforting dinner. With a blend of Mediterranean herbs and aromatic spices, the pie offers a taste that is both hearty and flavorsome. The combination of mozzarella and melting cheese adds a creamy texture and a satisfying element to every bite. Easy to prepare, this dish allows you to enjoy the comfort of homemade pie without much fuss. The pastry, made with flour and margarine, provides a crisp and crumbly texture, complementing the juicy meat filling perfectly. Each slice is a well-balanced offering, with the sweetness of carrots enhanced by savory notes from onions and celery. It's an ideal dish to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

250 g flour
150 g margarine
2 tbsp margarine for frying
3 eggs
1 onion
1 carrot
400 g minced beef or mixed minced meat
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 tomatoes
Small piece of celery
1/2 cup milk
125 g mozzarella cheese
65 g well-melting cheese (Dutch or Russian)

Spices

Salt
Pepper
Sugar
Nutmeg
1 tsp Mediterranean herb mix
1.5 tbsp breadcrumbs

Preparation Time

Total: 65 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

In a bowl, mix together the flour, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp salt, margarine, and 1-2 tbsp cold water. Knead gently to form a smooth dough. Place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill.
Meanwhile, dice the carrot and celery, and finely chop the onion.
In a skillet, heat the margarine and sauté the minced meat until it's browned. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and cook lightly.
Add the tomato paste, Mediterranean herb mix, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Set aside to cool slightly.
Roll out the dough into a round shape. Line a baking dish with the dough, pressing it firmly along the edges, and trim any excess from the sides. Sprinkle the bottom with breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture.
Beat the remaining 2 eggs with milk, a pinch of salt, and a dash of nutmeg until well blended.
Dice the mozzarella cheese and mix it into the cooled meat mixture.
Spread the meat mixture onto the prepared pastry base in the baking dish.
Pour the milk and egg mixture over the meat filling, then sprinkle with the grated melting cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 30-40 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the filling is set.
Let it cool slightly before slicing. **Enjoy**!

Tips

For a flakier pastry, ensure the margarine is cold before mixing it into the flour.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute part of the beef with ground turkey or chicken.
To enhance the flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat mixture while cooking.

Nutritions

Approximately per serving: 430 calories, 25g protein, 28g fats, 20g carbohydrates.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mix of mushrooms and lentils.
If you're dairy-free, use lactose-free cheese or nutritional yeast as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a zesty arugula salad to balance the richness of the pie.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
A glass of red wine would complement the flavors beautifully.

Best Places

The Pie Spot - Known for its variety of savory and sweet pies. Location: 521 NE 24th Ave, Portland, USA.
Pie Minister - Offers a wide range of creative and traditional pies. Location: 24 Stokes Croft, Bristol, UK.
The Pie Tin - Specializes in handcrafted pies with fresh ingredients. Location: 1/345-359 Enmore Rd, Newtown, Australia.
Pies & Pints - Combines artisan pies with a selection of craft beers. Location: 401 N Front St, Columbus, USA.
Pie Face - Famous for both meat pies and unique dessert pies. Location: Various locations, Sydney, Australia.
The Piemaker - Offers an extensive range of delicious pies from breakfast to dinner. Location: 38 South Bridge, Edinburgh, UK.
Mother Mash - Known for its pies and traditional mashed potatoes. Location: 26 Ganton St, London, UK.
The Flying Saucer Pie Company - A classic spot famous for homemade pies. Location: 436 W Crosstimbers St, Houston, USA.
Bourke Street Bakery - Offers flavorful and vibrant pies. Location: 633 Bourke St, Surry Hills, Australia.
Hill Country Chicken - Known for its pies, especially its famous banana cream pie. Location: 1123 Broadway, New York, USA.