Natchitoches Meat Pies

Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant city of Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. This charming city is known not only for its iconic Christmas Festival of Lights but also for its mouthwatering Natchitoches Meat Pies. Bursting with spices and history, these delightful pies pay homage to a rich Southern heritage. With a filling that marries the warmth of lean ground beef and a medley of flavors, encased in a rustic self-rising flour crust, these pies are a taste of Louisiana you won’t want to miss.

Yield: 8 pies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: meat 10–12 minutes; pies 6 minutes per batch 

Total Time: 42–44 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

For the Filling:

• ½ pound lean ground beef
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• ¼ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon low sodium Worcestershire sauce

For the Crust:

• 2 cups self-rising flour
• ¼ cup butter, finely diced
• 1 cup milk

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water or milk
• Oil for misting or cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin by creating the flavorful filling. Mix together the lean ground beef, finely chopped onion, finely chopped green bell pepper, salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and low sodium Worcestershire sauce. Shape this mixture into 4 small patties.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and cook the meat patties in the basket for 10 to 12 minutes, ensuring they are well done.
3. Once cooked, place the patties in a large bowl and crumble the meat into very small pieces using a fork and knife. Set this aside.
4. For the crust, combine the self-rising flour and finely diced butter using a pastry blender or fork, until the mixture is well blended. Add the milk and stir until the dough stiffens.
5. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a thin circle, approximately 5 inches in diameter. The rustic and uneven shape adds character and authenticity to the pies.
7. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the meat filling onto each dough circle.
8. Brush an egg wash around the edge of the dough circle, about ½-inch deep.
9. Fold each dough circle in half, sealing the edges by pressing them down with the tines of a dinner fork.
10. Brush the tops of the sealed meat pies with egg wash.
11. Cook the filled pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket at 360°F for 4 minutes. Turn the pies over, spray the bottoms with oil or cooking spray, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
12. Repeat the previous step to cook the remaining pies.

COOK’S TIP:

• These delectable meat pies freeze exceptionally well. To cook frozen pies, there’s no need to thaw them. Omit the egg wash and spray both sides of the frozen pies with oil. Cook at 360°F for 8 minutes. Turn the pies over, spray the bottoms again, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Immerse yourself in the history and flavors of Natchitoches with these savory Meat Pies. A marriage of bold spices and tender lean beef, encased in a rustic crust, captures the essence of a time-honored tradition. Whether enjoyed as a savory snack or a delightful meal, each bite takes you on a journey to the heart of Louisiana’s culinary heritage. With the option to freeze and savor them later, these pies offer convenience without sacrificing authenticity. Experience the zest of Natchitoches in every bite and bring a taste of Louisiana into your kitchen.