A Global Love for Handheld Comfort Food
Handheld pies are one of the most universal meal or snack items around. Not only are they found in nearly every food culture, but they are the ultimate convenience item. Portable, filling, and easy to eat on the go, handheld pies come in a wide variety of wrappers, fillings, and cooking methods. Handheld pies are often tied to street food and celebrations, but they are equally perfect for everyday meals. The concept might be simple, but there are endless cultural interpretations of these delicious bites. International Fresh Market, your local international grocery store, has curated a roundup of a few of the most popular types of handheld pies from around the world to kickstart your culinary creativity.
Why Handheld Meat Pies Are So Universal
It’s no secret why handheld meat pies are so universal. They are incredibly easy to transport, share and serve to family and friends. You can stretch the available meat with hearty dough and an assortment of vegetables and spices. Plus, handheld pies can be fried, steamed, baked, or pan-cooked, depending on your unique preferences and the kitchen utensils you have available.
Handheld meat pies are easily adaptable to regional flavors and ingredients, from potatoes and ground meat to shredded meat and spices. They are perfect as a snack or party food, but can also make up a hearty meal, especially when paired with a dip or savory sauce. There’s no wrong way to enjoy a handheld meat pie!
Latin America: Empanadas as Everyday Comfort
In Latin American countries, handheld meat pies take the form of empanadas. This cultural classic is typically baked or fried, featuring a crispy, flaky dough that melts in the mouth. Fillings are often beef or chicken paired with onions, olives, and spices. Empanadas are a favorite at parties or special events and are commonly served as street food. Depending on the specific region, empanadas can have variations in dough thickness and seasoning.
South Asia: Samosas with Bold Spice and Crunch
South Asia is notable for handheld pies called samosas. These handheld meat pies feature bold spices and a memorable crunch, since they are deep-fried for a crisp exterior. Samosas are triangular pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables. With lots of warming spices and aromatics, samosas are often served with chutneys or sauces. They are popular as snacks, appetizers, and street food.
East Asia: Savory Stuffed Buns and Pancakes (Xian Bing & Similar Styles)
Savory stuffed buns and pancakes are called xian bing in East Asia. These snacks are either pan-fried or baked, filled with juicy minced meat and umami-rich fillings. While handheld Asian meat pies have a thicker, bread-like wrapper than some other variations, they stil have a delightful texture contrast, including a crisp exterior and a tender interior. Xian bing and other East Asian handheld pies are best when eaten hot and fresh from a local street vendor!
Middle Eastern & Halal Traditions: Spiced Meat in Dough
Middle Eastern and halal traditions feature handheld meat pies that are baked and then folded flat. Seasoned with herbs, spices, and citrus, these pies have dough that is either soft or lightly crisped, depending on the preparation method. They are served as mezze items, light meals, and even snacks, reflecting the Middle Eastern standard of communal eating and shared plates.
European Takes: From Pasties to Sausage Rolls
Eastern European hand pies, including pasties and sausage rolls, are hearty offerings designed to provide long-lasting sustenance. Historically tied to workers, hence their portability, European handheld pies are often meat-forward, usually with a ground meat such as beef or lamb, with simple seasonings to suit a variety of palates. They can be served hot or at room temperature and have thick crusts with robust fillings. For those who want a bit more spice with their pasty, a dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment.
What Changes — and What Stays the Same
There are a few changes you’ll find in handheld pies, depending on where you are in the world. The dough types can vary wildly, with some pies featuring a more bread-like dough and others using thinner, crisp wrappers. Other countries use a flaky pastry to encase their meat pies. Spice levels tend to reflect regional palates as well, ranging from very spicy to mild and meat-forward. Still, the core idea remains the same – a handheld pie is almost univerally seasoned meat wrapped in dough, offering comfort and convenience.
How to Build a Global Handheld Pie Spread at Home
Interested in building a handheld pie spread at home? Consider incorporating a mix of baked, pan-cooked, and fried options, along with an assortment of dipping sauces for contrast and experimentation. Try to balance out spice levels and textures, so everyone has something to suit their taste. Bite-sized portions are perfect for sharing.
It’s also a good idea to make labels for each tray of pies, so your guests know what to expect from each delicious bite. Handheld pies are perfect for parties, holidays, and any sort of casual gathering! Your family and friends will love getting to experience the same type of snack across cultures, discovering how every country and region interprets the humble yet multifaceted handheld meat pie.
Meat Pies: One Idea, Countless Cultures
Handheld meat pies tell stories of place and tradition, honoring their country of origin while introducing family and friends to something new and delicious. The familiar format helps to make global flavors approachable, ideal for those with children or large families. At your next gathering or special event, consider whipping up a few batches of handheld meat pies to wow your guests and start some conversation.
At International Fresh Market, our international grocery store has everything you need to make any of the variations outlined above. Visit us in-store to pick up everything on your shopping list, from fresh fruit and vegetables to pantry staples and imported spices. Our friendly associates are always happy to assist with recipe recommendations or product education.
