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Pork Pies: 4 Classic British Pork Pies

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John Kirkwood
John Kirkwood
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Originating from the East Midlands of England, particularly associated with Melton Mowbray, the Classic Pork Pie is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed since the 18th century. It is often served cold and is a staple at picnics and gatherings, symbolizing British culinary heritage. Today, variations abound, with some incorporating different meats or spices, but the essence of the classic remains beloved across the UK.

Ingredients

  • pork shoulder
  • pork fat
  • pork jelly
  • shortcrust pastry
  • water
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • sage
  • thyme
  • nutmeg
  • egg
  • gelatin
  • onion
  • mace
  • bay leaves
  • allspice
  • flour

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare the pastry by mixing flour, salt, and cold butter until crumbly.
  2. 2Add cold water gradually to form a dough; wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
  3. 3Mix minced pork shoulder and pork fat in a bowl; season with salt, pepper, sage, thyme, nutmeg, and allspice.
  4. 4Roll out two-thirds of the pastry to line a pie dish, leaving excess hanging over the edges.
  5. 5Fill the pastry with the pork mixture, pressing down to pack tightly.
  6. 6Cover the filling with a layer of pork jelly and allow to set slightly.
  7. 7Roll out the remaining pastry to create a lid; seal the edges by crimping.
  8. 8Cut a small hole in the center of the lid for steam to escape.
  9. 9Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  10. 10Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour until golden brown.
  11. 11Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

pork fat

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: butter

Olive oil provides a healthier fat option.

gelatin

Cheaper: agar-agar

Agar-agar is a plant-based alternative to gelatin.

Techniques

mixingrollingbaking

Equipment

mixing bowlrolling pinpie dishovenbaking sheet
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkeggswheat

Also Known As

Pork PieMelton Mowbray Pork Pie

The British pork pie is a classic dish with roots in the medieval period, particularly associated with the Melton Mowbray region. Traditionally enjoyed as a snack or part of a picnic, it symbolizes British culinary heritage and craftsmanship. Today, variations exist, but the essence remains the same, showcasing the rich flavors of seasoned pork encased in a crisp pastry.

Ingredients

  • pork shoulder
  • pork fat
  • pork jelly
  • shortcrust pastry
  • seasoning
  • sage
  • thyme
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • egg
  • water
  • flour
  • gelatin

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare the shortcrust pastry and chill it for 30 minutes.
  2. 2Mix the minced pork shoulder and pork fat in a bowl.
  3. 3Season the meat mixture with salt, black pepper, sage, and thyme.
  4. 4Roll out the chilled pastry and line a pie dish with it.
  5. 5Fill the pastry with the pork mixture, pressing it down firmly.
  6. 6Create a small well in the center of the filling for the jelly.
  7. 7Cover the pie with another layer of pastry and seal the edges.
  8. 8Cut a small hole in the top for steam to escape.
  9. 9Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  10. 10Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F until golden brown, about 45-50 minutes.
  11. 11Allow the pie to cool slightly before adding the pork jelly through the hole.
  12. 12Chill the pie in the refrigerator to set the jelly.
  13. 13Serve at room temperature, sliced into wedges.

Ingredient Alternatives

pork fat

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: chicken fat

Chicken fat is more affordable and can add richness.

gelatin

Healthier: agar-agar

Cheaper: cornstarch

Cornstarch is a cost-effective thickening agent.

Techniques

mixingrollingbaking

Equipment

mixing bowlpie dishrolling pinovenpastry brush
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkeggswheat

Also Known As

Pork PieMelton Mowbray Pie

Individual pork pies are a traditional British dish, often enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal, particularly in the colder months.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 4-5 tbsp cold water
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced apple
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  3. 3Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. 4In a skillet, sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the ground pork, diced apple, thyme, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until the pork is browned. Let it cool.
  5. 5Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles to fit into individual pie tins.
  6. 6Place the dough circles into the tins, pressing gently to fit. Fill each with the pork mixture, leaving some space at the top.
  7. 7Roll out more dough to create lids for the pies. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
  8. 8Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  9. 9Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. 10Let the pies cool slightly before serving.

Equipment

mixing bowlskilletpie tinsrolling pinforkbaking sheet

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup lard
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. 1In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  2. 2In a saucepan, melt the butter and lard together with the water over medium heat until it reaches a boil.
  3. 3Pour the hot fat mixture into the flour and mix quickly with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
  4. 4Allow the dough to cool slightly, then knead it on a floured surface until smooth.
  5. 5Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other for the base and the other for the lid.
  6. 6Roll out the larger portion to fit your pie dish and press it into the bottom and sides.
  7. 7Roll out the smaller portion for the lid and set aside.
  8. 8Fill the pastry base with your desired filling (e.g., meat, vegetables).
  9. 9Place the lid on top and seal the edges by crimping with your fingers or a fork.
  10. 10Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  11. 11Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.

Equipment

mixing bowlsaucepanwooden spoonpie dishrolling pinbaking brush

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup carrot, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried sage
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2Add chopped onion, celery, and carrot; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. 4Add ground pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon; cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
  5. 5Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, thyme, sage, and nutmeg; stir well to combine.
  6. 6Pour in chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce; mix thoroughly.
  7. 7Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  8. 8Remove from heat and let cool before using as a filling for pies.

Equipment

skilletspatulameasuring cupsmeasuring spoons

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