Delicious and Easy Cornish Beef Pasties Recipe

Looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal? Try our Cornish Beef Pasties recipe! These savory hand pies are filled with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and a blend of herbs and spices, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a tasty snack, these pasties are sure to please your taste buds. Give them a try today and enjoy a taste of traditional English cuisine!

Understanding Cornish Beef Pasties

Cornish Beef Pasties have a rich history dating back centuries. Originally crafted as a portable meal for miners and laborers in Cornwall, England, these savory pies have become a beloved dish enjoyed by people worldwide. The key ingredients in Cornish Beef Pasties include beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and a selection of herbs and spices, all wrapped up in a buttery pastry crust.

Recipe for Old Fashioned Cornish Beef Pasties

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef (ground or shredded roast)
• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
• 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

DOUGH:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 stick unsalted butter, chilled
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 egg yolks, divided
• ½ cup cold water

Directions:

1. Make the dough:

• Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl.
• Cut the chilled butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the cold water and one egg yolk. Gradually add this mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
• Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

1. Prepare the filling:

• In a skillet, brown the beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
• Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and onion to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

1. Assemble and bake the pasties:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
• Divide the chilled dough into six equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle on a lightly floured surface.
• Spoon some of the beef and vegetable mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edge. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp with a fork.
• Place the assembled pasties on the prepared baking tray. Cut a few slits in the top of each pasty to allow steam to escape.
• In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg yolk with a splash of water. Brush the tops of the pasties with the egg wash.
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pasties are golden brown and cooked through.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Perfecting the pastry: Use cold butter and cold water to ensure a flaky pastry crust. Handle the dough gently to prevent it from becoming tough.
• Enhancing the flavor: Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different herbs and spices for added flavor complexity.
• Storage and reheating tips: Store leftover pasties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat pasties in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetarian option: Substitute the beef with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of Cornish Pasties.
• Adding extra vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables such as peas, corn, or bell peppers to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
• Experimenting with different seasonings: Customize the flavor of the filling by adding spices such as cumin, paprika, or curry powder to suit your taste preferences.

Old Fashioned Cornish Beef Pasties are a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. With their savory filling and flaky pastry crust, they are sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated as leftovers, Cornish Beef Pasties are a comforting dish that will leave you craving more.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of making the dough from scratch?

• Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust if you prefer. Simply roll out the crust and use it as directed in the recipe.

Can I freeze Cornish Beef Pasties?

• Yes, you can freeze unbaked pasties for later use. Simply assemble the pasties as directed, but do not bake them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed in the recipe.