Cornish Beef Pasties are traditional savory pies that originated in Cornwall, England. Here’s a classic recipe to make these delicious and hearty pasties:
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) beef steak, diced into small cubes
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 to 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or mixed herbs
- Egg wash (1 beaten egg with a little water)
Instructions:
For the Pastry:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter.
- Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
For the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the onions until softened.
- Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the skillet, cooking for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet, and season the mixture with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or mixed herbs. Stir well to combine.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool.
Assembling and Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Divide the chilled pastry dough into equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 8-10 inches in diameter.
- Spoon a generous portion of the filling onto one half of each pastry circle, leaving a border around the edge.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp to seal.
- Place the pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops of the pasties with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
- Allow the pasties to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Cornish Beef Pasties, a classic and comforting dish!