When it comes to Aussie cuisine, there are a few iconic dishes that immediately come to mind: meat pies, lamingtons, and of course, the beloved hand pie.
These savory, flaky pastries filled with various delicious fillings are a staple in Australian food culture and are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
What are Aussie Hand Pies and how do they differ from other pies?
Aussie Hand Pies are a traditional Australian dessert and can be found at most bakeries around the country.
The main difference between Aussie Hand Pies and other pies is that they’re typically sold as individual portions rather than full pies to-go. They are usually eaten with one’s hands as opposed to cut into slices using a knife. They also tend to be smaller in size than American hand pies, which makes them more portable than their larger counterparts!
The history behind this food comes from the Australian-Irish immigrants who created this dish as an alternative to traditional pies, which were hard to transport in Australia’s hot climate and difficult for workers during their long days at work.
Why Are Meat Pies So Popular in Australia?
Meat pies are popular in Australia for several reasons. They are a convenient and portable food option, making them a popular choice for on-the-go meals.
Additionally, meat pies have become ingrained in Australian culture and are often enjoyed as a traditional comfort food. The combination of flavorful meat fillings and flaky pastry has contributed to their enduring popularity.
Aussie Hand Pies can be found all around the country but mostly in Queensland where it has become part of our culture. Australians love eating these pies when watching sports matches or sitting down with family over dinner time.
Why Should I Make Them at Home?
Aussie hand pies are perfect for a quick and easy meal. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftovers from the fridge.
There are many different types of pies, but one that has become more popular in recent years is the Aussie hand pie. Hand pies can be filled with a variety of ingredients and toppings, including meat, vegetables, and sauces. You can eat them for lunch or dinner or as an appetizer at parties.
They’re also easy to make – you just need flour, egg wash (egg plus water), cold butter cut into small pieces, salt & pepper for seasoning, and filling ingredients like ham & cheese or bacon & potatoes.
How to make the dough?
There are many different ways to make dough for Aussie meat pies. The most common is the traditional method, which involves combining flour and water to form a soft dough.
This is then rolled out into two circles before being filled with beef mince or minced lamb and vegetables of your choice. It’s then sealed around the edges before baking in an oven until golden brown and crispy on top.
You can either serve these as they are or you can cut them up into wedges like pizza slices, depending on what suits your fancy best!
Australian meat pies come in all sorts of different flavors and varieties, with the most common being beef or chicken. Some other fillings include lamb, pork, veal, cheese, and spinach. What’s your favorite filling?
And while there are so many different types of pie recipes to choose from (sweet or savory), the most popular type is going to be an Australian meat pie.
You’ll need flour, butter or margarine, salt, eggs, and water.
How to make them?
The dough is made from the above ingredients and kneaded for five minutes before being rested in the fridge for 30 minutes.
After resting time has passed, divide into four pieces of equal size (make sure they don’t stick together) then roll out each piece so that it’s about three-quarters of an inch thick.
Place a spoonful of filling on one half of the circle with enough space at either edge for crimping up to create a seal before folding.
Place the pastry over the top to cover, pressing down on the edges with a fork, and seal in your filling. Make sure you make small cross-incisions in order for steam to escape from your pie!
Brush the egg yolk over the surface of the pie, then bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden. Serve immediately.
Tips for cooking and serving hand pies
Cooking tips
Hand pies are one of the simplest and most satisfying treats you can make, but they’re also surprisingly difficult to get right. And that’s because there are so many variables that can go wrong.
Australian Meat Pie contains a tomato-based sauce with minced meat inside a flaky, crispy dough.
Prepare your 8-ounce ramekins. If you’d prefer your pies to appear more like traditional pies, you could also get some disposable 5-inch tins. Amazon sells these reusable mini pie tins, which are ideal for hand pies.
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 10 minutes
Australian Meat Pie Crust Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup shortening
1/2 cup water
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add in the shortening and mix until coarse crumbs form. Stir in enough water to make a dough that can be handled.
Wrap the ball of dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Place the dough on a floured counter or board and roll it into a 6-inch circle about 1/8 inch thick.
Aussie Meat Pie Pastry Recipe
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup vegetable shortening
1/3 cup plus 1 Tbsp ice water
Instructions
Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Using a pastry cutter or two knives held together cut in 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter until you have pea-sized pieces. Add 1/4 cup solid vegetable shortening next.
Work in the butter and vegetable shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon ice water should be added. Pour the liquid over the flour and fat mixture. The dough should not be smooth (nearly raggedy).
Divide the dough in half, press each half into a flat disk, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably for several hours or overnight, before rolling out.
The dough may also be frozen for up to 6 months and then defrosted before rolling.
