West African Meat Pastry Bites 3

Ingredients

• 300 gground beef
• 1onion
• 12pastry wrappers
• for fryingoil
• to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. Begin by finely chopping 1 onion. This will ensure it cooks evenly and melds well with the ground beef, providing a balanced flavor throughout the filling. Set aside the chopped onion for later use.
2. In a large skillet, heat enough oil to generously coat the bottom of the pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the foundational flavor for the filling.
3. Add 300 g of ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces, ensuring it cooks evenly. Cook until the beef is browned and any liquid released has evaporated, leaving the mixture dry and crumbly.
4. Season the beef and onion mixture with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine, allowing the seasoning to penetrate the meat. Taste a small piece to adjust the seasoning if necessary, ensuring the filling is flavorful and well-balanced.
5. Lay out 12 pastry wrappers on a clean surface. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each wrapper, being careful not to overfill. Fold each wrapper over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing them together firmly, ensuring no filling escapes during cooking.
6. In a clean skillet, heat more oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the filled pastry bites in the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side until the pastry is golden brown and crisp, which indicates doneness.
7. Remove the cooked pastry bites from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Finish with a light sprinkle of fine sea salt while still hot, enhancing the flavor. Serve the West African Meat Pastry Bites immediately, encouraging a communal dining experience.