Louisiana Fried Meat Pies With Cajun Tartar Sauce Recipes

LOUISIANA FRIED MEAT PIES WITH CAJUN TARTAR SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large skillet heat 1 teaspoon oil and cook beef and pork, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes.
• Add onions, bell peppers, celery, salt, cayenne and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are wilted, about 10 to 12 minutres. Add the garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Dissolve the flour in the water and add to the meat mixture. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add green onions. Mix well and let cool.
• In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, salt and baking powder. Cut in the shortening until mixture resembles coarse meal. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, working it to make a thick dough.
• Pinch off a medium size ball of dough. Roll out ball of dough on lightly floured surface until you get approximately 5 inch cirlce. Place about 1/4 cup of meat filling in the center of each round and brush edges lightly with egg wash. Fold edges together and crimp closed with a fork.
• Heat oil in a deep pot or electric deep-fryer to 360 degrees. Fry the pies, in batches, until golden. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
• Instructions for Cajun Tartar Sauce:.
• Place the egg, garlic, lemon juice, parsley and green onions in a food processor and process for about 15 seconds until pureed. With the processor running, pour the oil through the feed tube in a steady stream. Add the cayenne, mustard and salt.

CLASSIC NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIE

Steps:

• In a small Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add beef, pork, oregano, salt, red pepper, black pepper, and cayenne. Cook, stirring frequently, until meat is browned and crumbly, about 6 minutes. Drain any excess liquid. Sprinkle with flour, and stir to combine. In a large saucepan, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Add garlic, bell pepper, and celery; cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir into meat mixture. Let cool completely. Cut Meat Pie Dough into 40 pieces. Reserve 12 pieces for another use. On a lightly floured surface, roll 28 pieces of dough to a 5½-inch circle, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 10 minutes. Using a 5-inch round cutter, cut rounds from each piece of dough. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 2 tablespoons water. Place 2 tablespoons filling in center of each round. Lightly brush edges with egg wash. Fold dough over filling, and press to seal. Using a fork, crimp along edges of pie. Using a pastry wheel, cut along edges to further seal. Freeze pies before frying. In a large Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of 4 inches, and heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 370°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels, and place a wire rack on top. Remove pies from freezer. Using a slotted spoon, gently place pies, 3 at a time, in hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from oil, and let drain on prepared pan.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Using a pastry blender or 2 forks, cut in lard until mixture is crumbly. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Pour egg mixture over flour mixture, and lightly toss with your hands until a dough starts to form. Knead together twice, and let rest for 10 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until using.