Delicious Meat and Pumpkin Hand Pies

Looking for a hearty yet flavorsome dish that's perfect for any meal? These meat and pumpkin hand pies are a delightful treat, combining the savory taste of smoked meat with the natural sweetness of pumpkin. Encased in a tender crumbly crust, the filling bursts with flavors of onions and paprika, making it a culinary delight. Whether it's a quick snack or part of a grand feast, these pies promise to satisfy. The pies are easy to prepare and can be a great option for those craving a homemade delicacy. The dough is made with a blend of wheat and kama flour, which gives it a unique taste and aroma. Conveniently, they can be stored in the freezer, making them ready for baking whenever needed. Perfect for times when you're hosting guests or crave something warm and comforting. Embrace this delightful fusion of flavors with each bite of these scrumptious pies.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 450 g flour (100 g kama flour, 350 g wheat flour)
• 1/2 cup cold water (125 ml)
• 1 tsp vinegar or 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• 1 egg
• 200 g butter
• Spices and caraway seeds to taste

Filling Ingredients

• Smoked meat
• Onion
• Fresh pumpkin
• Paprika

Preparation Time

Total: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including 2 hours of chilling time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Dough: Sift the flour together with a pinch of salt. Grate in the cold butter. Rub the flour and butter together with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add in your preferred spices and caraway seeds to enhance the aroma.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat the egg lightly with a fork, then add the cold water and vinegar or lemon juice. Pour this liquid mixture into the crumbly dough mixture.
3. Finish Dough: Blend everything together quickly, forming a dough that is elastic but not sticky. Once well mixed, wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate it for about 1-2 hours as you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a frying pan, heat a small amount of oil. Chop the onion finely and fry until golden. Grate the pumpkin using a coarse grater and dice the paprika into small pieces. Add them to the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes.
5. Add Meat: Dice the smoked meat into small cubes and add it to the pan, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors. Set the filling aside to cool as it’s easier to work with when not hot.
6. Roll Out the Dough: Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface until it's thin. Cut the dough into circles using a glass or cookie cutter.
7. Assemble Pies: Place a spoonful of filling onto each dough circle. Fold the dough in half over the filling and press the edges together with a fork. If the edges don’t seal easily, moisten them slightly with a brush dipped in water.
8. Bake the Pies: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Arrange the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally, brush them with a beaten egg for a glossy finish, or leave them bare for a matte look.
9. Bake and Cool: Bake in the pre-heated oven for about 20 minutes or until the pies look dry and their savory aroma fills your kitchen. Once baked to perfection, cool on a wire rack.
10. Storage Tips: For storage, keep pies in a cardboard box or wrap them in newspaper to maintain their crispness.

Tips

• Kama flour is key for a flavorful crust. If unavailable, substitute with rye or whole wheat flour.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare pies up to the baking step and freeze for later use.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices or herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chili flakes.

Nutritions

• Calories: 280 per pie
• Protein: 8 g
• Fats: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and increase the pumpkin or add mushrooms for an alternative filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these hand pies with a fresh green salad or a tangy yogurt dipping sauce for a refreshing contrast.
• Garnish with a sprig of parsley or sprinkle some cheese on top before serving for an elegant presentation.

Best Places

• The Pie Hole - Famous for handcrafted pies with a cozy setting. Location: 714 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, USA.
• Pate Maison - Offers a variety of gourmet pies inspired by classic European flavors. Location: 14 Rue de Monttessuy, Paris, France.
• Pie Minister - Known for sustainable sourcing and creative pie flavors. Location: 24 Stokes Croft, Bristol, UK.
• Pie Face - A trendy spot for hot pies and pastries. Location: 358 George St, Sydney, Australia.
• Pirogue Cafe - A rustic cafe serving traditional pies. Location: 299 Munsell Ave, Victoria, Seychelles.
• Delicious Fresh - Offers both sweet and savory pies. Location: 12 Mihama St, Okinawa, Japan.
• Pie Heaven Bakery Cafe - Delivers homemade pies with heartwarming service. Location: 135 Kindergarten St, Old Dali City, China.
• Spicy Pie - Specializes in spicy meat pies with a modern twist. Location: 1789 Kulim Ave, George Town, Malaysia.
• Crusty Baker - Home to inventive and flavorful pie options. Location: Beresford St, Auckland, New Zealand.
• La Pantara - Renowned for its fusion-style gourmet pies. Location: Siena Street, Rome, Italy.