British Meat Pies for Bolton Food & Drink Festival Recipe

Introduction

British meat pies are a comforting classic, perfect for any occasion. With a flaky shortcrust pastry and savory beef filling, these individual pies are sure to delight at the Bolton Food & Drink Festival or your own dinner table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shortcrust pastry
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out circles to line your pie tins.
3. Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until tender. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the beef broth and dried thyme, then simmer until the mixture is thickened.
4. Step 4: Spoon the meat filling into each pastry-lined pie tin. Top each with another pastry circle and crimp the edges with a fork to seal well.
5. Step 5: Brush the tops of the pies with beaten egg to give a golden, glossy finish.
6. Step 6: Place the pies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture while cooking.
• Try mixing in some diced carrots or peas with the filling for added texture and nutrition.
• If you prefer, use puff pastry instead of shortcrust for a lighter, flakier crust.

Storage

Store leftover pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain a crispy crust rather than microwaving, which can soften the pastry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the pies in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the pies and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to brush with egg wash right before placing them in the oven.

What can I substitute for beef broth?

If you don’t have beef broth, you can use vegetable broth or water with a bit of soy sauce added to enhance the flavor.

British Meat Pies for Bolton Food & Drink Festival Recipe

Print Recipe

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These traditional British Meat Pies are a comforting and hearty treat, featuring lean ground beef simmered with onions, garlic, and thyme, all encased in a flaky shortcrust pastry. Perfectly golden and baked to perfection, these pies are ideal for festivals, family meals, or any occasion craving a classic British savory pastry.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 individual pies 1x
• Category: Savory Pie
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 2 cups shortcrust pastry

Meat Filling

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Finish

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the pies evenly and achieving a golden crust.
2. Prepare Pastry: Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness, then cut out circles large enough to line your pie tins for the base and additional circles for the tops.
3. Cook Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the beef broth and dried thyme, then let it simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, creating a savory filling.
4. Assemble Pies: Line each pie tin with a pastry circle. Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each pastry-lined tin. Place another pastry circle on top, then crimp the edges securely with a fork to seal the pies.
5. Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the top pastry of each pie to promote a glossy, golden finish during baking.
6. Bake: Arrange the pies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.

Notes

• Ensure the filling is not too wet before assembling to prevent soggy pastry.
• Use cold pastry for easier handling and a flakier crust.
• Allow pies to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from hot filling.
• Be creative with herbs; rosemary or sage can be great alternatives to thyme.

Keywords: British meat pies, shortcrust pastry, ground beef pie, savory pie recipe, festival food, traditional British food