Fusion Recipe: Lamb Adobo Hand Pies
These Lamb Adobo Hand Pies are a savoury fusion of the classic Filipino braise and the portable convenience of a traditional pasty. By slow-cooking the lamb in a "dry" adobo style—reducing the vinegar and soy sauce until it coats the meat like a thick, tangy glaze—we create a filling that is intensely flavourful without being soggy. The richness of the lamb is perfectly cut by the sharp acidity of the vinegar, making every bite a sophisticated balance of salt, acid, and earthiness.
Lamb Adobo Hand Pies
Ingredients
- 1 lb Lean ground lamb or finely diced leg of lamb
- 1/3 cup Cane vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/4 cup Low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 6 cloves Garlic, smashed
- 1 tbsp Whole black peppercorns
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 package Whole-wheat pie crust or sprouted-grain dough
- 1 Egg (for egg wash)
Method
- The Filling: In a skillet, brown the lamb over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Braise: Add vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the liquid has evaporated, leaving the lamb coated in a dark, flavourful glaze. Discard bay leaves.
- Prep Pastry: Roll out your dough and cut into 5-inch circles.
- Assemble: Place 2 tablespoons of the lamb mixture onto one half of each circle. Fold the dough over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Bake: Brush with whisked egg. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Tips for Success & Health
- Manage Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to keep blood pressure in check, which is vital for heart health and diabetes management.
- Whole-Grain Fibre: Opting for a whole-wheat or almond-flour crust provides complex carbohydrates and fibre, which helps prevent the rapid blood sugar spikes associated with white flour.
- The "Dry" Adobo: Ensure the liquid is fully reduced; otherwise, the steam will burst the pastry, and the crust will lose its crunch.
- Add Veggies: For extra volume and fibre, stir in finely diced carrots or peas during the last 5 minutes of simmering the lamb.
