Cornish Beef Pasties: A Hearty, Delicious Meal for Every Occasion
Cornish Beef Pasties are a classic British dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. With their golden, flaky crust and savory beef filling, these pasties are a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a grab-and-go snack. Whether you’re serving them for a family meal or sharing them with friends, Cornish Beef Pasties are always a hit!
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to make your own homemade pasties, from preparing the dough to baking them to perfection. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Pastry:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- Cold water (to bind the dough)
For the Filling:
- 1 lb beef (steak or ground beef)
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of dried thyme or parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by making the pastry for the pasties. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Next, cut in the butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Add Water:
Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Be careful not to add too much water, as you don’t want the dough to be too sticky.
Once the dough is formed, knead it briefly on a floured surface until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out later.
3. Make the Filling:
While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced potato and chopped onion, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
Next, add the beef to the pan. If you’re using steak, dice it into small cubes; if you’re using ground beef, simply break it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you prefer, such as thyme or parsley. Cook everything until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before filling the pastry.
4. Assemble the Pasties:
Once the dough has chilled, divide it into small portions. Roll each portion out on a floured surface into a circle (about 6-8 inches in diameter).
Spoon a generous amount of the beef and vegetable filling into the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Use your fingers to pinch the edges together, and then crimp the edges using a fork to ensure they are sealed tightly.
5. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place your pasties on the tray, making sure there’s enough space between each one. If you’d like, you can brush the tops of the pasties with a bit of milk or beaten egg to give them a golden finish when baked.
Bake the pasties in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
6. Serve:
Once your Cornish Beef Pasties are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These pasties are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a side of chutney or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Perfect Cornish Beef Pasties:
- Fillings: While the traditional Cornish Beef Pasty includes beef, potatoes, and onions, you can customize the filling to your liking. Try adding carrots, turnips, or peas for additional flavor.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It makes the dough easier to handle and results in a flakier pastry.
- Freezing: Cornish pasties freeze beautifully. Simply assemble them, freeze them on a tray, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer (just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time).
Conclusion:
These homemade Cornish Beef Pasties are the perfect combination of flaky pastry and hearty filling. Whether you’re enjoying them on a cold winter day or taking them along for a picnic, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try, and bring a taste of Cornwall right to your kitchen!
If you love hearty, traditional dishes, this Cornish Beef Pasties recipe is a must-try! Make sure to share it with your friends and family – they won’t be able to resist these delicious, homemade treats.