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#### **The Origins of Minced Meat**
Minced meat, or ground meat, is a culinary staple that dates back to ancient times. The practice of grinding or mincing meat dates back to the early civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, who used meat grinders made of wood or metal. Ground meat is a versatile ingredient used in many global dishes, ranging from meatballs, burgers, and sausages to stews, pies, and pastries. Ground beef, lamb, chicken, and pork are some of the most commonly used meats for minced dishes.
In the context of pastries, minced meat is often paired with flavorful spices, herbs, and vegetables to create hearty, savory fillings. The combination of minced meat and pastry became particularly popular in European cuisines, with dishes like British **meat pies** and French **feuilletés** showcasing the savory filling wrapped in flaky pastry.
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### **2. Minced Meat with Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe**
Now that we’ve established the background of puff pastry and minced meat, it’s time to delve into the recipe for **Minced Meat with Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels**. These delicious pinwheels feature seasoned minced meat wrapped in buttery, flaky puff pastry, with the addition of melty cheese for an extra burst of flavor. They are easy to make, and the end result is a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for any occasion.
#### **Ingredients**
For the **Minced Meat Filling**:
– **1 lb (450g) ground beef** (or ground lamb, chicken, or pork)
– **1 medium onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 teaspoon ground cumin**
– **1 teaspoon paprika** (or smoked paprika for added depth)
– **1 teaspoon dried oregano**
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1 tablespoon olive oil** (for cooking the filling)
– **½ cup beef broth** (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
– **1 tablespoon tomato paste**
– **1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce** (optional)
– **1 tablespoon fresh parsley**, chopped (optional)
For the **Puff Pastry Pinwheels**:
– **1 sheet of puff pastry** (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
– **1 cup shredded cheese** (cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both)
– **1 egg**, beaten (for egg wash)
– **Sesame seeds or poppy seeds** (optional, for garnish)
– **Chili flakes or herbs** (optional, for extra flavor)
#### **Instructions**
**Step 1: Cook the Minced Meat Filling**
1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing it to become fragrant.
3. Add the ground meat to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Continue to cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Pour in the beef broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and the flavors to intensify. The mixture should be moist but not too runny. If needed, adjust the seasoning to taste. Remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature.
**Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry**
1. Preheat the oven to **400°F (200°C)** and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought pastry, ensure it’s thawed to room temperature before working with it.
3. Once rolled out, spread a thin layer of the cooled minced meat filling evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the minced meat, ensuring it’s distributed throughout.
**Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pinwheels**
1. Carefully roll the pastry from one edge to the other, creating a tight log or cylinder with the filling inside. Ensure the seam is on the bottom to prevent unrolling during baking.
2. Once rolled, cut the log into **1-inch wide pinwheels** using a sharp knife.
3. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for even baking.
4. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
5. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or chili flakes on top for added texture and flavor.
**Step 4: Bake the Pinwheels**
1. Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for **15-20 minutes**, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted, and the edges of the pinwheels should be slightly caramelized.
2. Once baked, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
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