On the forthcoming St. Patrick’s day, a festival that gives us the annual opportunity to sample specialties belonging to the Irish-American tradition, we took our inspiration from Irish cuisine to create an interesting and unusual specialty, a delicious and very tasty meat pie. You’re probably aware of the famous steak and Guinness pie, with its two well-known ingredients, or possibly even the steak and kidney pie, but be aware that the ‘meat pie’ represents a milestone for everyone who enjoys the traditions of Celtic cuisine. So here, just for you, our special version, which must always to be served with a nice cool glass of stout, to celebrate the wonderful festival of St. Patrick's Day. So, start licking your chops in the company of your guests: they will sit at your feet in adulation for serving up a dinner like the one we suggest today!
* approximate values per serving
In a thick-bottomed pan brown the diced bacon and onion for 5 minutes in a little oil. Add the meat and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often to avoid creating lumps in the mince. Add the stock, then the flour and tomato puree. Add the Worcestershire sauce, the mixed herbs and mustard. Let everything cook uncovered so as to reduce most of the liquid, but not all. Roll out some ready-made puff pastry on a baking tray, prick with a fork and brush the edges with lightly beaten egg. Pour in the meat mixture. Cover the pie with the second roll of dough and press down the edges to seal. Make 4 cuts in the centre to allow steam to escape and brush the rest of the egg over the surface. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake for about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven when the pie is golden and crisp.
|
View the step by step
|
Add the minced meat and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure that the mince doesn’t remain lumpy
|
|
View the step by step
|
Add the stock
|
|
View the step by step
|
Also add the flour and tomato concentrate
|
|
View the step by step
|
Pour in the Worcester sauce
|
|
View the step by step
|
Add the mixed herbs and the mustard. Leave to cook uncovered until most of the liquid has reduced, but not completely
|
|
View the step by step
|
Roll out some ready-made puff pastry, prick with a fork and brush with some lightly beaten egg
|
|
View the step by step
|
Pour the meat mixture into the pastry-lined dish
|
|
View the step by step
|
Cover the pie with the second sheet of pastry, pressing down the edges to seal. Make 4 cuts in the centre to allow the steam to escape, and brush the surface with the remaining egg
|
|
View the step by step
|
Pre-heat the oven to 180°C and bake for 40 minutes; remove from the oven when the pie is crispy and golden
|
The Meat Pie with Bacon and Beef is a rich and flavorful variant of this classic Anglo-Saxon dish. The bacon, with its smoky flavor, perfectly complements the beef, creating a delicious and hearty filling. To prepare it, simply follow the traditional recipe, but add diced bacon to the initial sauté with the onion. This step not only enriches the flavor of the filling but also gives it a more interesting texture. The combination of meat and bacon makes this Meat Pie ideal for a family meal or an informal dinner with friends. Served hot, it is a dish that captivates at the first bite, perfect for colder evenings.
The British Meat Pie with Aromatic Herbs is a preparation that celebrates the culinary tradition of the United Kingdom. In this version, the addition of herbs such as rosemary and thyme enriches the meat filling, providing freshness and an irresistible aroma. To get the most out of the flavor of the herbs, it is advisable to add them during the cooking of the meat, allowing their essential oils to be released. This variant is perfect for those who love dishes with an intense and enveloping fragrance. Served with a side of mashed potatoes or seasonal vegetables, the Meat Pie becomes a unique dish that encapsulates British gastronomic tradition, to be enjoyed on any occasion.
For those who desire a lighter version of the Meat Pie, the Light Meat Pie with Whole Wheat Puff Pastry is an excellent alternative. By replacing traditional puff pastry with whole wheat pastry, the caloric intake is reduced and the fiber content is increased, making the dish healthier. Additionally, one can opt for lean meat, such as selected beef, and limit the use of bacon, while still maintaining a rich and satisfying flavor. This variant is ideal for those looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste. Served with a fresh salad, the Light Meat Pie becomes a balanced and nutritious dish, perfect for light lunches or dinners.
The Meat Pie, thanks to its main ingredients such as beef and aromatic herbs, offers several nutritional benefits. Beef is an important source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, essential for the proper functioning of our body. The aromatic herbs, in addition to enriching the flavor, provide antioxidants and can help improve digestion. However, it is important to consider the caloric intake of the dish: a serving of Meat Pie can contain between 300 and 500 calories, depending on the ingredients and the amount of puff pastry used. For a balanced diet, it is advisable to enjoy it in moderation and accompany it with light side dishes.
The question of whether Meat Pie can be frozen is common among those who love to prepare dishes in advance. The answer is yes, it can be frozen! To achieve the best results, it is advisable to freeze the Meat Pie before cooking it. This way, the flavors and texture of the filling will remain intact. If you wish to freeze a cooked Meat Pie, it is important to let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. When you decide to consume it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours and then bake it in the oven until golden. This practice is ideal for having a tasty and quick meal available on busier days.