Natchitoches Meat Pies
2004-07-08- Course: Nouveau Cajun
- Yield : 20
- Servings : 20
- Prep Time : 60m
- Cook Time : 40m
- Ready In : 1:40 h
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Although Natchitoches, LA is not in Cajun Country, they do have a recipe worth mentioning in “Nouveau Cajun.” Natchitoches, Louisiana, is known for their “Festival of Lights”, being the location for the filming of Steel Magnolias, and famous meat pies. Their meat pies have been popular there since before the Civil War.
Ingredients
- Filling:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb lean ground pork
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 bunch of scallions (green onions), chopped
- 4 - 5 cloves garlic, minced fine
- 1 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 - 1/2 tsp red pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Pastry:
- 8 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 4 tsp salt
- 1 cup shortening
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 1/4 cups milk
- Ranch dressing for dipping (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Combine meats in a heavy skillet, brown, stirring, over medium heat. Remove from skillet, drain, and reserve drippings in skillet. Set aside.
Step 2
Sauté onion, bell pepper, scallions and garlic in skillet until tender. Return meat to skillet; stir in flour and seasonings. Set aside.
Step 3
Pastry:
Step 4
Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl; cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal.
Step 5
Combine eggs and milk in a separate bowl. Gradually add to flour mixture, stirring with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened. Shape into a ball (pastry will be stiff).
Step 6
Divide pastry into 4 portions. Roll out one portion to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut 5 circles using a 6-inch saucer as a guide and re-rolling dough if necessary.
Step 7
Spoon about 1/4 cup meat mixture on one half of each dough circle. Moisten edges with water. Fold dough over meat mixture, pressing edges to seal. Crimp edges with a fork. Repeat procedure with remaining dough portions and meat mixture.
Step 8
Pour oil to a depth of 3 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry about 4 pies at a time until browned, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately. Makes 20 pies. Serve with Ranch Dressing for dipping.
Step 9
A visitor wrote - "I added some potatoes and carrots to make it a filling meal "
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