Authentic Mineirinha Pie Recipe: A Taste of Minas Gerais

Discover the authentic flavor of Minas Gerais with our Mineirinha pie recipe. A perfect combination of ingredients that will win you over!

Summary

• Ingredients
• Preparation Method
• Tips and Variations
• Chef’s Tips

Ingredients

Dough:

• 2 cups (tea) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 100g cold butter, cubed
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

• 300g fresh Minas cheese, chopped
• 200g smoked Calabresa sausage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped olives
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley and chives)
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation Method

1. Dough preparation: In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the butter and rub with your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the egg and ice water, mixing until a homogeneous dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Filling preparation: In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until golden. Add the Calabresa sausage and sauté for a few more minutes.
4. In a bowl, combine the Minas cheese, sautéed sausage mixture, olives, fresh herbs, eggs, and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Assembly: On a floured surface, roll out the dough and line the bottom and sides of a greased and floured 24cm round pie dish.
6. Pour the filling over the dough and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve your delicious Mineirinha pie.

Tips and Variations

• For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with chopped hearts of palm or sautéed mushrooms.
• Add other cheeses you prefer, such as Canastra or Provolone cheese, for a more intense flavor.
• Try using puff pastry instead of the traditional dough for an even crispier Mineirinha pie.
• For a special touch, add chopped biquinho peppers to the filling.

Chef’s Tips

The Mineirinha pie is a dish that carries the essence of Minas Gerais cuisine, combining the simplicity of ingredients with the richness of flavors. To ensure the success of your pie, use good quality fresh Minas cheese, as it is the star of the filling. When sautéing the Calabresa sausage, don’t let it get too dry; the ideal is for it to retain some of its moisture to add flavor and juiciness to the filling. The dough should be worked carefully to avoid developing too much gluten, which would make it tough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but don’t overdo it. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it to ensure the crust is golden and the filling is set. Serve the Mineirinha pie warm or cold, accompanied by a green salad to balance the flavors and textures. With these tips, your Mineirinha pie will be an absolute success!