A Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Belizean Meat Pies

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Belize, no matter where you are in the world. With this well-curated recipe, you can prepare mouth-watering Belizean Meat Pies at home, capturing the essence of this traditional street food adored throughout Belize. Prevalent in every corner of the country from humble gas stations to local shops, the fame of these meat pies has transcended Belizean borders, with Dario’s Meat Pie Bakery leading the charge from Belize City.
By following this recipe, you’ll be able to prepare and savor this tantalizing delight. What’s more, these meat pies freeze well, so don’t hesitate to whip up a larger batch, stocking your freezer or spreading joy by sharing with friends and family.
Estimated preparation time: 35 minutes Estimated cooking time: 20-30 minutes Recipe yields: 36 scrumptious Belizean Meat Pies
Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 sweet pepper, finely chopped
- 1 habanero pepper, finely chopped
- A handful of fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tsp. Seasoning salt
- 1 tbsp. Maggi Consomme powder
- 3 tbsp. Maizena cornstarch flour
- 3 cups of water
- 3 small Red Recado balls
Ingredients for the meat pie dough:
- 1 and a half lb flour
- 1 tbsp. salt
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 9 oz shortening (any kind will do)
- Coldwater
Step 1: Filling Preparation
Initiate your meat pie journey by preheating your oven to 350 F or 175 c (this setting is for baking the pies later). Sauté the ground beef in a dash of oil until it browns nicely. Incorporate the chopped onion, sweet pepper, habanero, seasoning salt, and cilantro and continue sautéing for 5 minutes. Blend the water and red recado until well combined, then stir in the Maggie consommé. Let this enticing concoction simmer gently for half an hour. After that, blend in three tablespoons of cornflour, stirring until the mixture thickens. Add water if it becomes too dense. The desired texture should be thick yet pourable. Adjust the flavor to your preference, adding another habanero if you crave a spicier kick. Once prepared, allow the filling to cool before proceeding.
Step 2: Dough Preparation
Mix the shortening, salt, and most of the water with the flour. With your fingers, combine the ingredients, creating a breadcrumb-like texture. Gradually add the remaining cold water while mixing with your hands until a soft dough forms. Gather this dough to form a ball, being careful not to knead it to maintain flakiness. Roll out this dough and use a water glass to cut out circles for the pie bases and lids. Line your muffin tins with the dough circles, fill them ¾ full with the cooled meat mixture, and then top with the dough lids. Remember to moisten the rims with water to ensure a firm seal.
Step 3: Assembling the Meat Pies
Fill each dough-lined muffin tin with the cooled ground beef mixture, making sure not to overstuff them to prevent bubbling and overflowing during baking. Place the dough lids on each pie, and pierce a small hole in the center with a toothpick to allow steam to escape.
Step 4: Baking the Meat Pies
Bake the assembled pies at 400 F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is a beautiful golden brown and the pies are piping hot! Best savored immediately, these Belizean Meat Pies are a true taste sensation. If saving some for later, allow them to cool before freezing to keep the crust from becoming soggy.
With these clear, detailed instructions, you can bring the quintessential Belizean Meat Pie experience right into your home kitchen. Enjoy the journey of creating these delightful treats and even more, the delicious outcome.