Description: Savory mince pies are a delicious twist on the traditional sweet version, perfect for a hearty meal or as a festive appetizer. These pies are filled with seasoned minced beef, vegetables, and rich gravy, all encased in a buttery, flaky pastry. They are comforting and full of flavor, making them a great option for a cozy dinner or to share at a gathering.

Preparation Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time for the pastry).

Cooking Time: 45 minutes (20-25 minutes for baking + 20 minutes for filling).

Serving Size: Makes 12 mini pies.

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• 300g plain flour
• 150g cold butter, diced
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-3 tbsp cold water
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 500g minced beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 celery stick, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 250ml beef stock
• 1 tbsp plain flour (for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)

Instructions:

1. Make the Pastry:
• In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the diced butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
•Add the egg yolk and cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Shape into a ball, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:
• Heat a little oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced beef and cook until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• In the same pan, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
• Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Return the beef to the pan and mix well.
• Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring to coat. Gradually add the beef stock, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
• Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the filling is rich and thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and let the filling cool.

3. Assemble the Pies:
• Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
• Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thick. Cut out rounds to fit into a 12-hole muffin tin for the base and slightly smaller rounds for the tops.
• Line each muffin hole with the larger pastry round, fill with the cooled mince mixture, and then cover with the smaller pastry round. Press the edges together to seal.
• Brush the tops with beaten egg and cut a small slit in each to allow steam to escape.

4.Bake:
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crisp.
• Let the pies cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. These savory mince pies are sure to be a hit!