Louisiana Fried Meat Pies with Cajun Tartar Sauce

 

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup water
1/4 cup green onion, sliced thin
For the pastry
3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
6 tablespoons shortening
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
egg wash (1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water)
vegetable oil (for frying)
Cajun Tartar Sauce
1 large egg
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 tablespoon creole mustard
1 teaspoon salt
Directions:

1 In a large skillet heat 1 teaspoon oil and cook beef and pork, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes.
2 Add onions, bell peppers, celery, salt, cayenne and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are wilted, about 10 to 12 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
3 Dissolve the flour in the water and add to the meat mixture. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add green onions. Mix well and let cool.
4 In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, salt and baking powder. Cut in the shortening until mixture resembles coarse meal. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, working it to make a thick dough.
5 Pinch off a medium size ball of dough. Roll out ball of dough on lightly floured surface until you get approximately 5 inch circle. Place about 1/4 cup of meat filling in the center of each round and brush edges lightly with egg wash. Fold edges together and crimp closed with a fork.
6 Heat oil in a deep pot or electric deep-fryer to 360 degrees. Fry the pies, in batches, until golden. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
7 Instructions for Cajun Tartar Sauce:.
8 Place the egg, garlic, lemon juice, parsley and green onions in a food processor and process for about 15 seconds until pureed. With the processor running, pour the oil through the feed tube in a steady stream. Add the cayenne, mustard and salt.