How to Make Savory Pastries: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

Looking for a savory snack that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further! This savory pastry recipe, with a simple dough and delicious ground beef filling, is the perfect treat for parties, gatherings, or just a cozy evening snack. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create golden, crispy pastries that are sure to impress your friends and family.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you step by step on how to make the dough, prepare a flavorful beef filling, and assemble the pastries. Plus, we’ll share some tips for perfecting your savory pastries and answer some frequently asked questions to help you along the way.

Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible savory pastry recipe.

Ingredients for the Dough

The dough is incredibly easy to prepare with just two main ingredients—heavy cream and all-purpose flour. These two simple components create a smooth and flexible dough that can be easily rolled out and shaped.

What You’ll Need:

7 ounces of heavy cream (200 grams): The heavy cream adds richness to the dough, making it soft and easy to work with.
2 + ½ cups of all-purpose flour: Flour is the base of the dough, giving it structure. You may need to add a little extra flour to adjust the texture.

Salt to taste (optional): While not necessary, a pinch of salt can enhance the flavor of the dough.

Ingredients for the Filling

The filling in this recipe features seasoned ground beef, but feel free to get creative with the ingredients to suit your taste.

What You’ll Need:

500 grams/17.6 oz of ground beef: The beef filling is the star of this recipe, providing a rich, savory flavor.

1 medium onion, chopped: Onions add sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling.
2 cloves of garlic, minced: Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and enhances the overall taste of the filling.
Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning the beef is crucial to creating a flavorful filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

The first step to making these savory pastries is to create the dough. This is a simple process that only takes a few minutes.

Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the heavy cream and all-purpose flour. If you like, sprinkle in a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Knead the dough: Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky. If the dough feels too wet or sticky, add more flour gradually until the right consistency is achieved.
Rest the dough: Place the dough in a plastic bag and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out later.

Tip: Don’t skip the resting time—it helps relax the dough, making it more pliable when rolling.

2. Make the Beef Filling

While the dough is resting, you can prepare the ground beef filling. This savory beef mixture is easy to make and adds a hearty, satisfying flavor to the pastries.

Sauté the onion: In a pan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through.
Season the filling: Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the beef is well-seasoned.

Tip: Let the filling cool before assembling the pastries. If the filling is too hot, it may soften the dough and make it harder to work with.

3. Roll and Cut the Dough

Now that your dough has rested and your filling is ready, it’s time to roll out the dough and cut it into the desired shape.

Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough until it is very thin (about ⅛ inch thick). The thinner the dough, the crispier your pastries will be.
Cut the dough: Use a knife or a pastry cutter to cut the dough into squares, circles, or any shape you prefer. Aim for pieces large enough to hold a spoonful of filling.

Tip: To create uniform pastries, you can use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out perfect circles.

4. Assemble the Savory Pastries

Once you’ve cut the dough into your desired shapes, it’s time to fill and seal the pastries.

Add the filling: Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each piece of dough. Be careful not to overfill the pastries to avoid them bursting open during cooking.
Seal the pastries: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon or rectangular shape. Press the edges together to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.

Tip: For an extra crispy edge, brush the edges with a little water before crimping.

5. Fry the Pastries

The final step is to fry the pastries until they are golden brown and crispy. This adds a delicious crunch to the savory filling inside.

Heat the oil: In a deep pan or fryer, heat enough oil to submerge the pastries over medium-high heat.
Fry the pastries: Carefully place the pastries into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Drain and serve: Remove the pastries from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve the pastries warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like salsa, hot sauce, or ketchup.

Tips for Perfect Savory Pastries

Rest the dough: Don’t skip the resting time in the fridge. It helps the dough relax, making it easier to roll out thinly.
Don’t overfill: Be careful not to overfill your pastries, as this can cause the filling to spill out during frying. A tablespoon of filling per pastry is usually enough.
Sealing the edges: Use a fork to press and seal the edges of the dough. This will prevent the filling from leaking out while frying.
Frying temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying the pastries. If the oil is too cool, the dough will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I bake the savory pastries instead of frying them?

Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the pastries instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork. You could also use shredded chicken, vegetables, or cheese for a vegetarian option.

How should I store leftover savory pastries?

Leftover pastries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Can I freeze the savory pastries?

Yes, these pastries freeze well. After assembling but before frying, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, fry them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Definitely! Feel free to add extras like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or spices such as cumin or paprika to the beef filling for additional flavor.

What dipping sauces go well with these savory pastries?

These pastries pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Popular choices include salsa, ketchup, hot sauce, garlic aioli, or even a spicy yogurt dip.

Now that you know how to make these delicious savory pastries, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Whether you’re making them for a party, snack, or meal, these pastries are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking!