This truly is a harmonious meeting of east and west, where perfectly spiced ground beef is encased in layers of delicious, flaky pastry. Each “puff” is the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or after-school snack or even can be served for Sunday brunch. This is a well-loved family recipe and I’m sure it will brighten up any cold, dreary day!

Ingredients (Curry Puffs)

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium to large onion (finely chopped)
  •  1 tsp ginger paste or powder
  • 1 tsp garlic paste or powder
  • Pinch of red chili powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp lemon juice
  • Sprig of cilantro (roughly chopped)
  • Few mint leaves (roughly chopped)
  • Pre-made frozen puff pastry (I like Pepperidge Farm)
  • Beaten egg

Method

Prep Time: 45 min

Cook Time: 20 min

(Serves 6)

  1. Wash and drain ground beef. Brown the ground beef with olive oil and spices on stove top. When most of the water has evaporated, add the onions, cilantro, mint, and lemon juice.
  2. Continue to brown for another five minutes until the onions are broken down. Cool to room temperature.
  3. Remove frozen pastry sheets from the box and thaw at room temperature for twenty minutes or until the pastry unfolds easily. Thawed sheets should still be cold. Unfold pastry on a lightly floured surface and remove parchment paper. Each pastry sheet is divided into thirds. Cut each third into two halves, so each sheet will provide six pieces.
  4. Scoop one large tbsp of ground beef onto each of the six pastry pieces and fold over, so the ground beef is covered. Push down on the edges to ensure proper sealing and glaze with egg mixture. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about twenty minutes or until golden brown.
  5. Enjoy with chutney or classic ketchup!