Growing up, there was a local bakery in my neighborhood that held a special place in my heart. It wasn’t just any bakery; it was a treasure trove of delights, offering an array of sweet and savory treats that tantalized the senses and drew crowds from near and far. Among the many delights that adorned the bakery’s display cases, there was one item that stood out as a perennial favorite: the meat patties. These meat patties were a thing of wonder, encased in golden puff pastry that promised a flaky, buttery indulgence with every bite. The aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water as I stepped through the bakery’s door, greeted by the comforting scent of freshly baked goods mingling with the savory fragrance of seasoned meat. Each patty was a work of art, meticulously crafted and generously filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, onions, herbs, and spices. The filling was flavorful and rich, with just the right balance of savory goodness to satisfy even the most discerning palate. What made these meat patties truly special, however, was the experience of enjoying them. Whether it was a quick snack on the go or a leisurely indulgence shared with friends and family, every bite was a moment of pure bliss. The crisp, flaky pastry gave way to the succulent meat filling, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that danced on my taste buds and left me craving more. As I grew older, the memories of those meat patties lingered, serving as a reminder of the simple joys of childhood and the pleasures of discovering culinary delights in unexpected places. Though the bakery may have faded into memory, the legacy of those beloved meat patties lives on, a testament to the enduring magic of good food and the power of shared experiences to nourish the soul. In Israel, these meat patties are called Burekas, and they are very popular in bakeries. Often filled with a variety of fillings like potato, sweet potato, cheese, mushrooms, artichokes, etc
Why make these patties
Versatile Flavor Profile: The combination of onion, ginger, garlic, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cilantro creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Texture Contrast: The tender ground beef filling contrasts beautifully with the flaky, buttery texture of the puff pastry, providing a delightful mouthfeel with every bite. Ease of Preparation: This recipe is relatively simple and straightforward, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. It doesn’t require any specialized equipment or techniques, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Customizable: While this recipe provides a delicious base, it’s also highly adaptable. You can easily customize the filling with your favorite herbs, spices, and additional ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Perfect for Entertaining: These puff pastry puffs make an impressive appetizer for parties, potlucks, or special occasions. They’re easy to transport and serve, and they’re sure to impress your guests with their elegant appearance and delicious flavor. Kid-Friendly: With their flavorful filling encased in a kid-friendly puff pastry shell, these puffs are a great way to introduce children to new flavors and ingredients in a format that’s familiar and appealing.
Ingredients and substitutes
Ground Beef: Provides the main protein component and savory flavor to the filling. Ground chicken, turkey, lamb, or plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Beef or Impossible Burger. Onion: Adds aromatic flavor and texture to the filling. Shallots, leeks, or scallions can be used as substitutes for onion. Garlic: Enhances the savory flavor of the filling. Garlic powder or garlic paste can be used as alternatives to fresh garlic. Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the filling. Ground ginger can be used if fresh ginger is not available, but use it sparingly as it is more concentrated in flavor. Cumin: Provides earthy, smoky flavor and depth to the filling. Ground coriander or chili powder can be used as alternatives to cumin. Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet flavor and vibrant color to the filling. Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder can be used to add heat and flavor. Cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet-spicy flavor to the filling, complementing the savory ingredients. Allspice or nutmeg can be used as alternatives to cinnamon, but use them sparingly as they have stronger flavors. Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the filling, balancing the flavors. Lime juice or white vinegar can be used as substitutes for lemon juice. Cilantro: Adds freshness and herbal flavor to the filling. Parsley or basil can be used as alternatives to cilantro. Puff Pastry: Forms the outer shell of the puffs, providing a flaky, buttery texture. Phyllo dough or pie crust can be used as alternatives to puff pastry, though they will have a different texture.
Step by step: Meat stuffed puff pastry
Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, paprika, and ground cinnamon. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent and the beef is fully cooked. Season the beef mixture with lemon juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Adjust seasoning to your taste. Leave to cool to room temperature.Pro tip – make sure all the excess moisture is evaporated so it’s easier to fill the pastry.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry into a large square. Cut each sheet into smaller squares, depending on how large you want your puffs to be. Fill Puffs: Spoon a small amount of the beef mixture onto the center of each pastry square. Seal Puffs: Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle, then press the edges firmly to seal. For a decorative touch, you can use a fork to crimp the edges.
Brush with Egg Wash: Place the stuffed pastry puffs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the puffs with beaten egg to give them a golden-brown color when baked. Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown. Serve: Remove the puff pastry puffs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm as a delicious appetizer or snack!
Tips for Success
Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: If using frozen puff pastry, make sure to thaw it properly according to the package instructions. Thawing it too quickly can result in uneven or soggy pastry. Keep Ingredients Cold: Keep the puff pastry and filling ingredients cold until ready to use. Cold pastry dough is easier to work with and results in a flakier texture once baked. Don’t Overfill: Be mindful not to overfill the pastry squares with the beef filling. Overfilling can cause the puffs to burst open during baking and may result in a messy presentation. Seal Edges Securely: Ensure that you seal the edges of the puff pastry squares securely to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and added security. Ventilation: Cut a small slit or poke a few holes in the top of each puff with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. This helps prevent the pastry from becoming soggy and ensures even baking. Egg Wash for Golden Brown Color: Brushing the tops of the pastry puffs with beaten egg before baking creates a beautiful golden-brown color and adds shine to the finished puffs. Even Baking: Arrange the stuffed pastry puffs evenly on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each puff to allow for even airflow in the oven. This ensures that the puffs bake evenly and puff up nicely. Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the puffs as they bake, as oven temperatures can vary. Bake until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up, which usually takes around 20-25 minutes. Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allow the baked pastry puffs to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. This helps them firm up slightly and makes them easier to handle. Serve Warm: These puffs are best enjoyed warm, so serve them shortly after baking for the best flavor and texture.
Creative variations
Cheesy Beef Puffs: Before sealing the pastry, add a layer of shredded cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack) on top of the beef filling. The melted cheese adds extra flavor and gooeyness to the puffs. Mushroom and Beef Puffs: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion and garlic until golden brown, then mix them with the cooked ground beef for a rich and earthy filling. Add a splash of white wine or beef broth for extra flavor. Mediterranean Beef Puffs: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to the beef filling for a Mediterranean twist. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Curry Beef Puffs: Stir in curry powder, garam masala, and other spices for a fragrant and flavorful filling. You can also add peas or diced potatoes for an extra element of texture. Tex-Mex Beef Puffs: Mix cooked black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning with the ground beef for a Tex-Mex inspired filling. Top with a dollop of sour cream and chopped cilantro before serving. Spinach and Beef Puffs: Sauté chopped spinach with the onion and garlic until wilted, then combine it with the cooked ground beef for a nutritious and colorful filling. You can also add crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
Creative ways to serve meat puffs
Puff Pastry Pinwheels: Roll out the puff pastry dough filled with meat mixture into a log, then slice it into rounds to create pinwheel shapes. Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and serve as finger food at parties or gatherings. Puff Pastry Turnovers: Instead of folding the puff pastry squares into triangles, fold them into turnovers by sealing the edges and creating a half-moon shape. Serve the turnovers as a handheld snack or appetizer, perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces or chutneys. Puff Pastry Empanadas: Use the meat-stuffed puff pastry as filling for empanadas. Fold the pastry into half-moon shapes, crimp the edges with a fork to seal, and bake until golden brown. Serve the empanadas with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. Puff Pastry Tartlets: Press the meat-stuffed puff pastry into tartlet molds or mini muffin tins to create individual savory tartlets. Bake until golden and crispy, then fill each tartlet with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant appetizer. Puff Pastry Wellingtons: Use the meat-stuffed puff pastry to make individual Beef Wellingtons. Wrap each portion of meat filling in puff pastry, seal the edges, and bake until the pastry is golden brown and the meat is perfectly cooked. Serve the Wellingtons with a rich mushroom gravy or red wine reduction sauce for a gourmet meal. Puff Pastry Samosas: Shape the meat-stuffed puff pastry into triangular parcels to create samosas. Bake until crispy and golden, then serve the samosas with mango chutney or mint yogurt sauce for dipping. Puff Pastry Pizza Pockets: Spread marinara sauce and shredded cheese over the meat-stuffed puff pastry squares before folding them into triangles. Bake until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve the pizza pockets with extra marinara sauce for dipping. Puff Pastry Pie: Use the meat-stuffed puff pastry as filling for a savory meat pie. Line a pie dish with the pastry, add the meat filling, cover with another layer of pastry, and bake until golden brown and bubbling. Serve the pie slices with a side salad for a satisfying meal.
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Frequently asked questions
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