Savory South African Meat Parcels
These savory South African Meat Parcels, inspired by the traditional Wasgoedbondeltjies, combine the rich flavors of minced beef, aromatic spices, and a choice of flaky puff pastry or indulgent soda water pastry. This simple yet satisfying snack can be baked or deep-fried to golden perfection. Serve them warm or cold with a tangy Thai Sweet Chili sauce on the side for an added burst of flavor that will have your guests coming back for more.
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
minced beef
1 1/2 lbs (none)
oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
onions
2 (finely chopped)
potato
1 large (roughly grated)
garlic cloves
3 (chopped and crushed)
mixed spice
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
pasta sauce with meat or gravy
1/3 cup (none)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
all-purpose or cake flour
1 lb (none)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
butter
1 lb (cold)
Bourbon or rum
1 tablespoon (none)
soda water
1 cup (none)
whole clove
1 per parcel (none)
oil for deep frying
as needed (none)
Instructions
1
1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2
2. Add the minced beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned.
3
3. Stir in the finely chopped onions, chopped garlic cloves, and grated potato.
4
4. Cook until the onions become translucent.
5
5. Mix in the mixed spice, salt, fresh ground black pepper, and your choice of pasta sauce with meat or gravy.
6
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
7. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
8
8. If using soda water pastry, sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Grate or chop in the butter.
9
9. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
10
10. Stir in the Bourbon or rum, then gradually add soda water until a soft dough forms.
11
11. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch (3 mm).
12
12. Cut the pastry into 3 x 3 inch (7.5 x 7.5 cm) squares.
13
13. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each square.
14
14. Draw up the corners, press them together lightly, and secure with a whole clove.
15
15. If deep-frying, heat oil in a large pot or wok to 350°F (175°C).
16
16. Fry the parcels in batches until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
17
17. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
18
18. Brush puff pastry parcels with beaten egg and bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
19
19. Serve the meat parcels with a side of Thai Sweet Chili sauce, hot or cold.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory South African Meat Parcels?
Savory South African Meat Parcels are a traditional snack inspired by Wasgoedbondeltjies, featuring spiced minced beef enclosed in a pastry square.
What is the traditional name for these South African meat parcels?
The traditional name for these meat parcels is Wasgoedbondeltjies.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1.5 lbs of minced beef.
What kind of pastry is used for the parcels?
You can choose between a homemade soda water pastry or a flaky store-bought puff pastry.
How is the meat filling flavored?
The filling is seasoned with onions, garlic, mixed spice, salt, fresh ground black pepper, and pasta sauce or gravy.
Why is a grated potato added to the meat mixture?
One large roughly grated potato is added to provide texture and help bind the minced beef filling together.
How long should the meat filling simmer?
The meat mixture should be simmered under a lid for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What ingredients are needed for the soda water pastry?
The pastry requires flour, baking powder, salt, cold butter, Bourbon or rum, and soda water.
What is the purpose of adding Bourbon or rum to the pastry?
A tablespoon of Bourbon or rum is added to the pastry dough for flavor and to help achieve a light, crisp texture.
How thick should the pastry dough be rolled?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm).
What size should the pastry squares be?
The pastry should be cut into squares measuring 3 x 3 inches (7.5 x 7.5 cm).
How do you secure the meat parcels?
After drawing the corners of the square together, they are secured by pressing a whole clove into the center.
Is the whole clove intended to be eaten?
While the clove is edible, it is used primarily as a fastener and has a very strong flavor, so it is often removed before eating.
What is the temperature for deep-frying the parcels?
If deep-frying, heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Can I bake these meat parcels instead of frying them?
Yes, the parcels can be baked in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long do the parcels take to bake?
They typically take about 15 minutes to bake until golden brown.
Should I use an egg wash on the pastry?
If you are using puff pastry for the baked version, you should brush them with a beaten egg before baking.
What sauce pairs well with Savory South African Meat Parcels?
They are best served with a tangy Thai Sweet Chili sauce on the side.
Can these parcels be served cold?
Yes, these meat parcels are delicious whether served hot or cold.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 20 meat parcels.
Must the filling be cooled before putting it in the pastry?
Yes, it is essential to allow the meat filling to cool completely before assembly to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
What type of flour is recommended for the pastry?
The recipe suggests using either all-purpose flour or cake flour.
What liquid is used for the filling besides the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of pasta sauce with meat or gravy to provide moisture and flavor.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
Common tags include South African, snacks, party food, finger food, and savory pastry.
How do I know when the fried parcels are done?
The parcels are done when they have been fried in batches until they reach a golden brown color.
What should I do with the parcels immediately after deep-frying?
You should drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Is the potato grated finely or roughly?
The recipe specifies using one large potato that has been roughly grated.
What is the first step in making the filling?
The first step is to heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet and brown the minced beef.
What should the pastry mixture look like after rubbing in the butter?
The mixture should resemble coarse breadcrumbs before the liquid ingredients are added.
Are these parcels considered a main dish or a snack?
They are primarily considered a savory snack or party finger food.