How To Bake Natchitoches Meat Pies

Delicious Natchitoches Meat Pies: A Southern Classic

When it comes to classic Southern comfort food, few dishes can rival the savory goodness of Natchitoches meat pies. These delectable hand pies are a beloved staple in Louisiana cuisine, known for their flavorful filling and flaky pastry crust. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen, you’re in luck! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of baking Natchitoches meat pies to perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Oil for frying

Instructions

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start baking your Natchitoches meat pies. Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, celery, and green onions. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the meat is fully cooked. Add the parsley, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and vegetable shortening. Use your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water and knead the dough until it comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the Pies: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles of dough. Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the pies.
4. Fry the Pies: In a deep skillet, heat oil to 350°F. Carefully place the pies in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pies and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the pies have cooled slightly, they are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them with your favorite hot sauce or dipping sauce for a delicious Southern treat!

Conclusion

Baking Natchitoches meat pies at home is a wonderful way to bring a taste of the South to your kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create these mouthwatering hand pies that are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is a great introduction to the rich culinary tradition of Louisiana. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of Natchitoches meat pies!