Scottish pies recipe

Traditional Scottish pies are a delectable treat, often filled with hearty ingredients like minced meat, potatoes, and spices. Here’s a classic recipe for Scottish meat pies:

Ingredients:

• For the pastry:
  • 250g all-purpose flour
  • 125g cold unsalted butter, diced
  • A pinch of salt
  • Cold water, as needed
• For the filling:
  • 500g minced beef or lamb
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Beef or vegetable stock, as needed
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pastry:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
   • Add the diced butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
   • Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
   • Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling:
   • In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onions and cook until softened.
   • Add the minced meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
   • Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
   • Add enough beef or vegetable stock to just cover the meat and vegetables.
   • Simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the filling is thickened and the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Assemble the pies:
   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
   • Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
   • Using a round cutter or a small bowl, cut out circles of pastry to fit your pie molds.
   • Line the pie molds with the pastry circles, leaving some overhang.
   • Fill each pastry-lined mold with the cooled meat filling.
4. Cover the pies:
   • Roll out more pastry to make the pie lids.
   • Cut out slightly larger circles for the lids.
   • Brush the edges of the pastry in the molds with beaten egg, then place the pastry lids on top.
   • Press the edges to seal and crimp them with a fork.
   • Brush the tops of the pies with beaten egg for a golden finish.
5. Bake the pies:
   • Place the pies on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
   • Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Scottish meat pies! They’re perfect for a cozy dinner or a hearty snack.