How To Make Gambian 🇬🇲 Meat Pie | Empanada | It's A Must Try | Dada's FoodCrave Kitchen

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is leaner and lower in fat.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil adds flavor and is dairy-free.

peas

🥗Healthier: green beans

💰Cheaper: frozen mixed vegetables

Green beans provide a similar texture with fewer calories.

curry powder

🥗Healthier: garam masala

💰Cheaper: turmeric and cumin

Garam masala offers a rich flavor profile.

Welcome viewers and introduce the recipe for Gambian meat pie.

Mention using lean ground beef to avoid excess fat.

Chop half of a bell pepper (any color), half an onion, and a bunch of green onions (scallions).

Chop four green chilies and add them to the mixture.

Add 1 tablespoon each of thyme, coriander, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder to the chopped ingredients.

Add the ground beef to the chopped vegetables and spices in the pan.

Brown the beef until completely cooked and the water evaporates, adding a bay leaf for aroma.

Ensure the meat mixture is completely cool before adding it to the dough.

In a mixing bowl, add 1 teaspoon of salt to 4.5 cups of all-purpose flour and mix well.

Add 4 tablespoons of room-temperature butter to the flour and mix with hands until combined.

Gradually add 2 cups of water until the dough reaches the desired consistency, kneading with hands.

Cover the dough with oil and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.

After resting, add flour to the work surface and continue kneading the dough until it is soft and bounces back when pressed.

Divide the dough into small round balls for better control over the size of the meat pies.

Roll each ball into a flat shape using a rolling pin.

Add the cooled meat mixture and mozzarella cheese (or cheddar or potatoes if preferred) to the center of each dough circle.

Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork, pressing both sides for security.

Ensure the dough is not too thick or thin to avoid excess oil absorption during frying.

Heat oil until hot enough for frying the meat pies, ensuring they do not soak up too much oil.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens