Delicious Homemade Satchels: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 4-6 tablespoons of cold water
  • 1/2 pound of ground beef
  • 1/2 cup of diced onions
  • 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter and use your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough comes together. Do not overwork the dough.
  3. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  4. While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink.
  5. Add the onions, bell peppers, garlic, cumin, and chili powder to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese. Let the filling cool.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  8. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface. Using a round cutter, cut out circles of dough.
  9. Spoon a small amount of filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal.
  10. Place the satchels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each satchel with the beaten egg.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the satchels are golden brown.
  12. Allow the satchels to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier crust.
  • Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Add different vegetables to the filling, such as corn, peas, or spinach.
  • Experiment with different spices and seasonings in the filling, such as paprika, oregano, or curry powder.
  • Try using a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta.
  • Create a vegetarian version by using a filling made with mushrooms, tofu, or lentils.
  • Add a touch of heat by including diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in the filling.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Make mini satchels by cutting smaller circles of dough and reducing the baking time.
  • Serve the satchels with a dipping sauce, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through making delicious Satchels, which are essentially miniature hand pies filled with a savory and aromatic mixture of ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a flaky, homemade pastry. Perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even a main course, these Satchels are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With this recipe, you can expect to create about 10-12 satchels, each packed with flavor and held together by a perfectly crumbly pastry. The recipe involves making your own dough from scratch and preparing a hearty filling, but don't be daunted - the steps are simple and easy to follow. Happy cooking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour?
    Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
  2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
    Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter, but keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and texture of the dough.
  3. How can I make the dough flakier?
    To make the dough flakier, you can try using a combination of butter and shortening, or you can add a tablespoon of vinegar to the dough mixture.
  4. Can I make the filling vegetarian or with a different type of meat?
    Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even use a vegetarian meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
  5. Can I freeze the satchels?
    Yes, you can freeze the satchels before baking them. Place the assembled satchels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, simply remove from the freezer, brush with egg wash, and bake as directed.
  6. Can I reheat the satchels?
    Yes, you can reheat the satchels in an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough.
  • Round cutter - Used to cut out circles of dough.
  • Skillet - Used to cook the ground beef and vegetables for the filling.
  • Baking sheet - Used to bake the satchels.
  • Parchment paper - Used to line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
  • Brush - Used to brush the satchels with beaten egg before baking.
  • Plastic wrap - Used to wrap and chill the dough.
  • Large bowl - Used to mix the flour, salt, and butter for the dough.
  • Spoons or spatulas - Used for stirring and mixing ingredients.

Origin stories

Satchels, as a culinary concept, can trace their roots back to various cultures around the world, each boasting its own unique approach to these handheld delights. From the calzones of Italy and the empanadas of Latin America, to the pirozhki of Eastern Europe, each culture has embraced the concept of a savoury filling encased in a baked or fried dough. One might say, these little pockets of joy serve as a universal symbol of gastronomic unity, transcending borders and binding us together in a shared love for comfort food. The beauty of satchels lies in their versatility, each family, each town, each culture invitingly personalizing the recipe to their palate, making each bite a delectable journey of flavors. Whether it is the allure of the flaky pastry, the fusion of spices in the filling, or the cozy familiarity of a handheld meal, satchels hold a cherished place on dining tables across the globe. So, the next time you savor a satchel, remember, you are not just partaking in a meal, you are sharing in a global culinary heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.