Keema plate pie

Tender minced lamb with creamy butter beans and aromatic spices, all encased in a golden, flaky shortcrust pastry. The preparation takes about 30 minutes, with an additional 45-50 minutes of baking time. The result is a comforting, flavour-packed pie that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. The art masala mix adds a unique blend of spices, but garam masala can be used as a convenient alternative.

Serve this pastry pie with this refreshing charred mango salad.

By Nadiya Hussain
From Saturday Kitchen

This pie is moderately healthy, with a balance of protein from lamb and fiber from butter beans. However, the pastry and high fat content from the lamb mince contribute to a higher calorie and saturated fat content. The addition of vegetables and spices provides some nutritional benefits. more about nutri-score

Ingredients

For the Art Masala:

• Cardamom pods: 28g/1oz
• Bay leaves: 2
• Fennel seeds: 34g/1¼oz
• Cumin seeds or ground cumin: 100g/3½oz
• Ground cinnamon: 38g/1½oz
• Ground turmeric: 100g/3½oz
• Chilli powder: 44g/1½oz
• Curry powder: 200g/7oz

For the filling:

• Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp, plus extra for greasing
• Garlic cloves: 2, crushed
• Onion: 1, finely chopped
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Lamb mince: 450g/1lb
• Art masala mix: 3 tbsp (or garam masala as alternative)
• Butter beans: 400g tin, drained
• Spring onions: 2, thinly sliced
• Fresh coriander: small handful

For the pastry:

• Ready-rolled shortcrust pastry: 2 x 320g packs
• Free-range egg: 1, beaten
• Chilli powder: 1 tsp
• Rock salt: pinch

Method

Prepare the Art Masala (if using)

Grind the Whole Spices

• • Use a spice grinder or a smoothie-maker with a milling blade for best results.
  • Grind cardamom pods (with husks) to a fine powder. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Blend bay leaves with fennel seeds until powdered.
  • Grind cumin seeds if using whole.
  • Add ground bay leaves, fennel, and cumin to the bowl. Mix thoroughly.

Add Ground Spices

• • Add ground cinnamon and turmeric to the bowl. Mix well.
  • Incorporate chilli powder and mix again.
  • Finally, add curry powder and stir thoroughly.

Store the Spice Blend

• • Transfer the completed eight-spice blend into airtight jars for storage.

Prepare the Filling

• Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
• Cook garlic until golden, then add onion, salt, lamb mince, and art masala mix/garam masala.
• Cook until mince is done and moisture has evaporated.
• Mash butter beans in a bowl and add to the mince mixture.
• Mix well and let cool completely.

Prepare the Pastry

• Preheat oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4 with a baking tray inside.
• Grease a 23cm/9in plate pie dish or deep oven-safe dinner plate.
• Roll out one pastry sheet to cover the dish base with 1cm overhang.
• Mix spring onion and coriander into the cooled filling.
• Add filling to the dish and level the top.

Assemble and Bake

• Roll out second pastry sheet for the lid with 1cm overhang.
• Brush dish edges with beaten egg and place lid on top.
• Press edges together, tucking pastry under itself.
• Brush top with beaten egg, sprinkle with chilli powder and rock salt.
• Bake on preheated tray for 45-50 minutes until golden.

Serve

• Let cool for 10 minutes before serving in wedges.

Nutri-score Health Check

This lamb and butter bean pie receives a Nutri-score of C, indicating it’s moderately healthy. Here’s how the score was determined:

• Positive components: The dish contains protein from lamb and fiber from butter beans. Vegetables like onions and garlic add some nutritional value.
• The use of spices may provide antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
• Negative components: The shortcrust pastry contributes to a high carbohydrate and saturated fat content.
• Lamb mince is relatively high in saturated fats, which can impact the overall fat content of the dish.
• The overall calorie content is moderately high, primarily from fats and carbohydrates in the pastry and meat.

While not in the healthiest categories (A or B), this pie still offers some nutritional benefits. To improve the score, consider using leaner meat, increasing the proportion of vegetables, or using a whole grain pastry. As with many pastry dishes, portion control is key to maintaining a balanced diet.