### **Ground Meat Puff Pastry Pockets**
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#### **Introduction:**
Ground Meat Puff Pastry Pockets are a savory, flaky, and delicious snack or meal that combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground meat with the light, buttery texture of puff pastry. These handheld pockets are perfect for a quick dinner, party appetizers, or a satisfying lunch. Whether filled with beef, chicken, lamb, or pork, the savory filling wrapped in golden, crisp puff pastry makes for a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to please a crowd.
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#### **Origin and Cultural Significance:**
The concept of filling pastry with meat is ancient and can be traced back to various cultures across the world. In Europe, savory pastry pockets like the British pasty and the French pâté chaud have been long-standing favorites. Puff pastry, which originated in France, is prized for its flaky, buttery layers, and has been used in a wide range of dishes, from desserts to savory meals. Ground meat-filled pastries are common across many cultures, often adapting the filling based on local ingredients and spices.
In the United States, this style of savory pastry pocket has become a popular dish in homes and restaurants, often taking inspiration from both European and Middle Eastern cuisines. They offer a quick, versatile, and satisfying meal, perfect for various occasions, from casual family dinners to parties.
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#### **Ingredients and Quantities:**
– **For the Puff Pastry Pockets:**
– 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 lb ground beef, lamb, turkey, or chicken (or a combination)
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional, for added flavor)
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
– 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional, for added richness)
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– **For the Egg Wash:**
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon water
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#### **Optional Additions:**
– **Vegetables**: You can add finely chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, to the meat filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
– **Spices**: For more depth of flavor, add ground coriander, chili flakes, or even a bit of fresh parsley or cilantro.
– **Cheese**: Try adding crumbled feta cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar for a gooey, cheesy filling.
– **Dips**: Serve with condiments like yogurt, tzatziki, or tomato salsa for dipping.
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#### **Tips for Success:**
1. **Avoid Overfilling**: When adding the filling to the puff pastry, don’t overstuff the pockets. Leave room for sealing the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
2. **Use Cold Puff Pastry**: If using store-bought puff pastry, make sure it’s cold when you work with it. This helps to maintain the layers and ensures a crispy, flaky result.
3. **Sealing the Pockets**: Use a fork to press the edges of the pastry together to ensure they’re sealed tightly. You can also brush a little water around the edges before sealing to help it stick.
4. **Don’t Skip the Egg Wash**: Brushing the puff pastry with an egg wash gives it a golden, shiny finish and enhances the crispiness.
5. **Baking Time**: Bake at the correct temperature to ensure the pastry cooks through and becomes golden brown. Overbaking can result in dry filling or overly crispy pastry.
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#### **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the filling**: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground meat to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Season with cumin, paprika, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. If desired, add grated cheese to the mixture for a creamy filling. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
2. **Prepare the puff pastry**: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on the size of the pockets you want to make.
3. **Assemble the pockets**: Place a spoonful of the cooled meat mixture in the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill. Fold the pastry over to create a triangle or rectangle, depending on your shape. Press the edges together firmly and seal by crimping with a fork.
4. **Egg wash**: Beat the egg and water together to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the pastry pockets with the egg wash to ensure a golden finish when baked.
5. **Bake**: Place the assembled pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
6. **Serve**: Remove the pockets from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These can be enjoyed on their own or served with a dipping sauce of your choice.
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#### **Description:**
Ground Meat Puff Pastry Pockets are savory hand-held treats that feature a warm, flavorful filling wrapped in a buttery, flaky puff pastry. The filling can be made with a variety of ground meats, and is typically spiced with ingredients like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, giving it a rich and satisfying flavor. The puff pastry bakes up golden brown and crispy, providing a perfect contrast to the tender meat inside. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or a full meal, these pockets are a crowd-pleasing choice.
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#### **Nutritional Information (per pocket, based on 8 servings):**
– **Calories**: 250-300
– **Protein**: 12g
– **Carbohydrates**: 20g
– **Fiber**: 1g
– **Sugars**: 2g
– **Fat**: 18g
– **Saturated Fat**: 6g
– **Sodium**: 400-500mg
– **Cholesterol**: 70mg
– **Calcium**: 4% DV
– **Iron**: 10% DV
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
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#### **Conclusion:**
Ground Meat Puff Pastry Pockets are a delicious and versatile dish that combines the savory richness of ground meat with the light, buttery texture of puff pastry. They’re perfect for a quick dinner, snack, or party appetizer, offering a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. These pockets are customizable to suit your taste preferences, and they offer a balance of crispy, tender, and flavorful components in each bite.
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#### **Recommendation:**
These puff pastry pockets are ideal for meal prep or serving at gatherings. To make them even more family-friendly, you can customize the fillings to include vegetables or use a leaner protein like turkey or chicken. Pair them with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. These pockets also freeze well, so you can prepare a batch ahead of time and bake them whenever needed.
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#### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence:**
For a healthier take on this dish, consider using whole wheat puff pastry or a low-fat version of puff pastry. You can also opt for lean ground meats like turkey or chicken, and incorporate more vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, into the filling. To lower the fat content, try using less butter in the pastry and using a smaller amount of cheese or omitting it altogether. By making these small adjustments, you can enjoy these savory pockets while maintaining a more balanced, health-conscious approach to indulgence.