NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIES

PREP TIME: 3 Hours
YIELDS: 1½ Dozen Pies

COMMENT:
Empanadas, which are elaborate Spanish turnovers filled with chopped meat, usually beef, chopped fruit such as peaches or raisins, vegetables, olives and sometimes hard-boiled eggs, have long been a specialty of Galicia in the northwest area of Spain. Natchitoches, La., is known for its meat pies, which are turnovers filled with ground meat and seasonings. The original Louisiana version is believed to have been developed by the Natchitoches Indians and improved upon by the Spanish. Although most cultures had meat pies, many dating from the Middle Ages, one of the most famous in Louisiana is the salmis or game pie usually served at Christmas.

Ingredients for filling:
2½  pounds ground beef
2 ½ pounds ground pork
3 large onions, chopped
1 cup green onions, sliced
3 bell peppers, chopped
½ cup garlic, minced
salt and black pepper to taste
Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning to taste
1 quart  chicken or beef broth
¾ cups all-purpose flour

Method:
In a large cast iron skillet add beef, pork, onions, peppers and garlic. Cook and stir mixture slowly, breaking meat until it is grain for grain. Cook for two hours stirring and adding broth one cup at a time as needed. Once meat has absorbed all moisture, stir in flour and blend well. Add green onions and continue to cook for additional 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper and Creole seasoning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Prepare crust for pies.

Ingredients for Dough:
4 cups self-rising flour
½ cup Crisco shortening
1 cup whole milk
2 eggs
egg wash

Method:
Cut shortening into flour using a food processor (flour should resemble corn meal). Pour flour mixture into a large bowl. Add milk and eggs. Mix dough, using hands, until incorporated. Dust table with flour and roll out dough ⅛-inch thick. Cut into 6-inch circles using a pastry cutter. Brush edge of the circle with the egg wash. Using a tablespoon, spoon meat mixture into middle of circle.  Fold over and crimp edges with a fork.  Heat deep fryer to 350º F and fry until golden brown.