Savory Meat Hand Pies

 Ingredients

**For the Pastry:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

**For the Filling:**
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb
– 1/2 cup carrots, diced
– 1/2 cup potatoes, diced
– 1/2 cup frozen peas
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1/2 cup beef broth

**For Assembly:**
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

 Instructions

1. **Prepare the Pastry:**
– In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
– Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
– Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. **Prepare the Filling:**
– Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
– Add the ground beef or lamb, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
– Stir in the diced carrots, potatoes, and peas. Cook for another 5 minutes.
– Add the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste.
– Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth, and simmer until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
– Remove from heat and let the filling cool.

3. **Assemble the Hand Pies:**
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
– Cut the dough into rectangles or circles, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
– Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each piece of dough.
– Fold the dough over the filling to form a hand pie and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
– Transfer the hand pies to the prepared baking sheet.
– Brush the tops with beaten egg.

4. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown.

5. **Serve:**
– Let the hand pies cool slightly before serving.
– Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

These savory hand pies are perfect for a snack, lunch, or even a party appetizer. Enjoy!