How to make Portuguese Meat Patties (without an air fryer)

Today, we’re taking your taste buds on a trip to Portugal with this Portuguese meat patties recipe. These little pockets of joy are crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor inside.

Portuguese meat patties are a staple found everywhere in Portugal, from cozy kitchens to bustling cafes, and you can learn more about them on our Porto Food Tours. They’re perfect as a snack or as the main attraction of your meal. The best part? They’re versatile enough to pair perfectly with any carb-loaded side dish you can think of.

So, let’s ditch the formalities and get cooking! This recipe is classic – no air-fryer needed! It’s as traditional as our grandma’s cooking!

How to make Portuguese meat patties

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 250g of flour
  • 125ml of milk
  • 125ml of water
  • 50g of unsalted butter
  • A pinch of salt
  • Beaten egg and breadcrumbs for coating

For the Filling:

  • 300g of minced meat (veal is recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 30g margarine
  • Chopped parsley, to taste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon of flour
  • 150ml of milk

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  • In a pot, bring milk, water, butter and salt o a gentle boil over medium heat.
  • Add flour all at once, stirring until dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  • Remove the dough from heat, allowing it to cool slightly, then knead until smooth.

Make the Filling:

  • In a pan, melt margarine over medium heat and add chopped onion and minced garlic until soft.
  • Next, add minced meat, seasoning with salt and pepper and cook until the meat is browned.
  • In a small bowl, mix flour with milk until smooth.
  • Pour this mixture into the pan, stirring constantly until it thickens into a creamy filling.
  • Finish by adding chopped parsley to the filling.

Assembly

  • Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle.
  • Spoon a generous amount of the meat filling onto one half of each dough circle, then fold the other half over to encase the filling.
  • Seal edges with a fork.
  • Dip in beaten egg, coat in breadcrumbs.
  • Fry until golden brown and crispy.

Enjoy your homemade Portuguese meat patties as a delightful snack or a flavorful main course, paired with a salad or your favorite carb-loaded side dish!

Yours truly,
Your Foodie Friends in Porto

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