Arabic Meat Pies
Arabic Meat Pies are savory, flaky pastries filled with seasoned ground meat, herbs, and pine nuts, perfect for appetizers or snacks with bold flavors and crisp textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add chopped parsley, salt, pepper, lemon juice or vinegar, and tahini; mix well.
- Flatten each biscuit with fingers to create a depressed center.
- Place a tablespoon of filling on each biscuit disc, spreading to within the edge.
- Press several pine nuts into the filling.
- Bake on an ungreased sheet at 400°F for about 8 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or cinnamon to the meat mixture. You can substitute the ground round with ground turkey or lamb for a different taste profile. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use whole wheat biscuits instead of regular ones. Toasting the pine nuts before adding them enhances their flavor and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These Arabic Meat Pies make a great appetizer or snack and pair well with a refreshing Sweet Red Pepper Salad or Roasted Vegetable Salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside lemony sides like Lemon-Basil Carrot Bundles. They can also be enjoyed with yogurt or tahini sauce for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meat pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as this may make the biscuits soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arabic Meat Pies contains roughly 31 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 884mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meat pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also assemble the pies, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze them. Bake from frozen when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for tahini?
If you don't have tahini, you can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute. For a lighter option, mix Greek yogurt with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice to create a similar creamy texture. This will add a unique flavor to your meat pies.
Are these meat pies suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze these meat pies either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, simply place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they're cooked through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).