Savory & Hearty: Swedish Meat Pies Recipe
Are you looking for a hearty and satisfying dish that will warm you from the inside out? Look no further than the Swedish Meat Pie recipe. Made with ground beef, grated potatoes, and a blend of dill weed and allspice, these hand pies are perfect for any occasion, from a cozy weeknight dinner to a Scandinavian festival.
These meat pies are a classic dish in Swedish cuisine – known as “hårgan meat pies” in some regions – and are often served at celebrations and gatherings. They boast a buttery, flaky crust that is easy to make from scratch, elevating this dish from simple comfort food to an impressive culinary delight.
Not only are these pies delicious, but they are also easy to customize based on your preferences. Add in your favorite herbs or spices, like parsley or nutmeg, for an extra pop of flavor. Or, swap out the ground beef for a mixture of pork and beef if you prefer minced meat.
In this recipe article, I will provide detailed instructions on how to make these delicious pies from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just trying your hand at making meat pies for the first time, this recipe is sure to please. So break out your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a recipe that is hearty, satisfying and exploding with flavor? Look no further than our Swedish Meat Pies recipe. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck or even a special celebration like Midsommar.
One of the standout features of this recipe is the savory and tender ground beef filling. We use only the highest quality beef, combined with a blend of spices that includes allspice, dill weed, and grated nutmeg. The result is a winning combination of bold and earthy flavors that will intrigue your taste buds.
But the praises don’t stop there. The crust of our Swedish Meat Pies also deserves recognition. We make ours from scratch with all-purpose flour and shortening, creating a flaky yet sturdy base that balances out the rich meat filling perfectly. It creates a delicious contrast in textures that will keep you coming back for more.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. If you prefer a vegetarian option or want to switch up the protein, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your needs. And if you feel especially adventurous, try baking hand pies instead of traditional pies for an on-the-go version that’s just as tasty.
Lastly, nothing beats the nostalgia factor when it comes to this dish – it’s part of Scandinavian celebrations and has been passed down through generations. Our recipe honors this history while still elevating it with modern techniques and ingredients.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable dish that will wow your guests or just please your taste buds, look no further. Try our Swedish Meat Pies recipe today and discover why it’s becoming an instant classic.
Ingredient List
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of shortening
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 4 ounces of grated cheddar cheese
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 2 cups of peeled and grated potatoes
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried dill weed
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
Note: these ingredients are essential to achieve the authentic flavor that is characteristic of Swedish meat pies. You may substitute the meat for minced beef or pork, but it won’t be a true Swedish meat pie.
The Recipe How-To
After gathering all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to dive into the recipe itself. Be prepared for a bit of a labor-intensive process, but trust me when I say that it will be completely worth it in the end.
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling
Ingredients:
– 4 tablespoons of butter
– 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon of dried dill weed
– 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 2 cups of grated potatoes
– 1 pound of ground beef
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Crumble the ground beef into the skillet and add the chopped onion and parsley.
- Add the allspice, dried dill, and nutmeg.
- Mix everything together and cook until the beef is browned and no pink parts remain.
- Add the grated potatoes to the skillet with a pinch of salt and continue cooking until the potatoes are tender.
Step 2: Create the Dough
Ingredients:
– 4 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 2 teaspoons of salt
– 1 cup of shortening
– 1 cup of sour cream
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add in the sour cream and cheddar cheese, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 3: Constructing the Pies
Ingredients:
– Meat filling from Step 1
– Dough from Step 2
– One egg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F/190°C.
- Roll out your dough on a floured surface to about an eighth-inch thickness.
- Cut out circles using either a biscuit cutter or a glass measuring cup.
- Place about one tablespoon of meat filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold over one side to make a semicircle and press down on edges to seal.
- Brush each pie with an egg wash (one beaten egg) before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
With these comprehensive steps, you’re now equipped to create homemade Swedish meat pies that rival any bakery!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add your own twist to this Swedish Meat Pie recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations that you can try.
Firstly, instead of using ground beef, you can try substituting it with ground pork or a mixture of both beef and pork. This will add a different flavor profile to the meat pies that is likely to be equally delicious.
Another substitution you can make is using different types of cheese. While cheddar cheese has been suggested in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, Gouda, or even blue cheese for a more robust flavor.
Moreover, you can also experiment with the spices used in this recipe. For example, try adding some paprika or cinnamon instead of nutmeg and allspice. Alternatively, if fresh parsley isn’t available, dried parsley can be substituted instead.
If you’re running short on time or ingredients, consider making hand pies from scratch to save some time. These are smaller versions of the traditional meat pies that are easy to make and great for snacking.
For those who want to make these meat pies for special occasions such as Midsommar or a Scandinavian festival try garnishing them with a salad made with grated potatoes cooked lightly in sour cream. You could also play around with the pasty shaping depending on the celebration. For example, Finnish meat pies (lihapiirakka) may be rounder while Swedish meatballs could lend themselves to longer and thinner pastries.
No matter what substitution or variation you choose, make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly as certain changes might have an impact on bake time. With some experimenting and creativity in the kitchen using this recipe as your starting point, the possibilities are endless with these delicious Swedish Meat Pies!
Serving and Pairing
These Swedish meat pies are a delightful addition to any meal, and are especially enjoyable during Scandinavian celebrations. Their hearty and comforting nature make them an ideal main course, but they can also be served as a delightful appetizer at your next dinner party or family gathering.
Serve these hand pies right out of the oven when they’re still warm and steaming, alongside a simple green salad for a balanced meal. The salad garnish adds subtle freshness to the rich and savory swedish meat filling.
The grated potatoes cook to become slightly crispy bits that have a potato pancake-like texture, and they make the perfect side dish alongside meat pies.
When it comes to pairing these meat pies with beverages, opt for classic Scandinavian options like hot coffee or tea. Alternatively, serve them with ale or beer to complement their bold flavors.
One could take the experience up a notch by adding a few pickles on the plate — in Sweden, such sour embellishments are commonly served with savory dishes like meat pies.
In sum, don’t limit yourself to traditional combinations – explore the opportunities to add your own special touch to this delicious meal!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the benefits to making Swedish meat pies is that they are perfect for making ahead of time. Simply cook the meat pies according to the recipe and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, wrap each pie first in plastic wrap, and then in aluminum foil. You can also opt to store them in an airtight container.
If you plan to eat the meat pies within two days, store them in the refrigerator. For longer storage – up to two months – place them in the freezer.
To reheat the frozen meat pies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap each pie and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until heated through and golden brown.
If you want to reheat them faster, use a microwave instead of an oven. Once thawed, cover one pie with microwavable plastic wrap and microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
Swedish meat pies are always best when served fresh out of the oven. However, you can still enjoy their savory flavors even after they have been stored or reheated. So go ahead and make these scrumptious hand pies ahead of time and savor the taste of Scandinavia at any time!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking is both an art and a science; therefore, making Swedish meat pies is more than just following a recipe. When making these delicious savory hand pies, there are key tips and techniques to ensure that your final product turns out perfect every time. Here are some
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you want to celebrate a Scandinavian festival like Midsommar or simply crave some delicious meat pies made from scratch, this Swedish meat pie recipe is the right choice. With its crispy and buttery crust, perfectly seasoned beef filling with potatoes, onions, and herbs, this dish will satisfy your taste buds and bring joy to your table.
By using high-quality ingredients like Hårgan meat or adding a dollop of sour cream on top of each pie, you can elevate its flavors even more. Not to mention that you can experiment with various substitutions and variations to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
Whether you prefer calling it lihapiirakka in Finnish, Swedish meatballs in America, or pasty in England, this dish is a classic that deserves recognition beyond its borders. And who knows? Maybe one day it will be as popular as pizza or hamburgers.
So go ahead and give this Swedish meat pie recipe a try. With a little patience and skill, you can create magic in your kitchen and delight your friends and family. And if you’re looking for more inspiration on wine pairings or food combinations, make sure to check out the Delipair app. Happy cooking!
Swedish Meat Pies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 2 large red potatoes, grated
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 6 tablespoons sour cream
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble in the ground beef and add onion, parsley, allspice, dill, nutmeg and grated potatoes. Cook and stir until the meat is browned. Drain any excess grease. Turn off the heat and stir in the cheese until melted. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Mix in the shortening with a fork or pastry cutter until only pea sized lumps remain. Stir in sour cream a little bit at a time until the dough holds together. Knead briefly on a lightly floured surface. Divide into four equal portions, and pat into balls. (If making 4, these are very large - could easily be made into 6 or even 8 meat pies.).
- Roll out each ball of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Place a heaping 1/2 cup of filling onto each one. Fold over into half circles, and seal by moistening the edges with warm water and pressing together. Place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown.
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.