Caribbean Cuisine: Jamaican Meat Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons curry powder
• 1 dash salt
• ¼ cup margarine
• ¼ cup shortening
• ⅓ cup water
• 2 tablespoons margarine
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup beef broth
• ½ cup dry bread crumbs
• 1 egg, beaten

• Step 1

  Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder, and pinch of salt. Cut in 1/4 cup margarine and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water until mixture forms a ball. Shape dough into a log, and cut into 10 equal sections. Roll each section into a six inch circle (approximately 1/8 inch thick). Set aside.

• Step 2

  Melt margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion until soft and translucent. Stir in ground beef. Season with 1 teaspoon curry powder, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is evenly brown, stirring constantly. Stir in beef broth and bread crumbs. Simmer until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.

• Step 3

  Spoon equal amounts of filling into each pastry circle. Fold over and press edges together, making a half circle. Use a fork to press edges, and brush the top of each patty with beaten egg.

• Step 4

  Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

POLLO GUISADO