Meat pastries served with garlic sauce for a flavorful experience

Why Make This Recipe

Meat pastries with garlic sauce are a delightful treat that many enjoy. They are warm, savory, and perfect as a snack or a meal. Making these pastries is a great way to impress your family or friends without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, they are easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks! When you make this recipe, you can customize the flavors and enjoy a delicious dish straight from your oven.

How to Make Meat Pastries with Garlic Sauce

Making meat pastries is simple and straightforward. You will mix together ground meat with onions and spices, wrap them in flaky pastry, and finish them off with a tasty garlic sauce. Let's go through the steps!

Ingredients

Puff pastry - 500 g
Ground meat - 400 g (beef, chicken, or pork)
Onion - 1 piece
Garlic - 2 cloves
Egg - 1 piece
Salt - to taste
Pepper - to taste
Parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
Garlic sauce - for serving

Directions

Prepare the Pastry: Start by rolling out the puff pastry. Aim for a thickness of about 3 mm. Then, use a round cutter or any shape you like to cut out circles about 10 cm in diameter.
Cook the Filling: In a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes transparent. Then, add minced garlic and the ground meat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is fully browned.
Assemble the Pastries: Take a pastry circle, place 1-2 tablespoons of the meat filling in the center. Fold the pastry over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal them well.
Bake: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the sealed pastries on it. Beat the egg and brush it on top of each pastry for a nice golden color. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Make the Garlic Sauce: To prepare the garlic sauce, mix yogurt with minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors based on your preference.

How to Serve Meat Pastries with Garlic Sauce

Serve your freshly baked meat pastries warm, alongside a bowl of garlic sauce for dipping. These pastries can be snacked on during parties, served as appetizers, or even enjoyed as a full meal. Pair them with a simple salad or some roasted vegetables for a more complete dish.

How to Store Meat Pastries with Garlic Sauce

If you have leftovers, you can store the pastries in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness. The garlic sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge for the same duration.

Tips to Make Meat Pastries with Garlic Sauce

Choose Your Meat: You can use any type of ground meat you like. Chicken, beef, or pork all work well. You can also mix different types.
Spice It Up: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the meat filling for extra flavor. Cumin or paprika can be great additions.
Extra Crunch: If you like a crunchier texture, you can brush the outside of the pastry with oil before baking.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked pastries. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze individually, and then transfer to a container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Variation

You can also try different fillings. For a vegetarian option, use a mix of sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, and cheese. This way, you can cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought meat instead of making my own?
Yes! You can use pre-cooked or leftover meat. Just chop it up and mix it with the onions and spices.

2. How do I know when the pastries are done?
They should be golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch. You can also check the bottom; it should be browned too.

3. Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and the pastries ahead of time. Just keep them in the fridge until you are ready to bake them.

Conclusion

Making meat pastries with garlic sauce is a fun and rewarding cooking experience. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dish that is sure to please everyone. Whether you are hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these pastries are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results!