Savoury pies, cherished culinary creations with a rich history, have transcended time and culture to become beloved comfort foods across the globe. These delectable pastries encapsulate a medley of flavours, reflecting the essence of their regional origins. From the hearty Cornish pasty of England to the aromatic tourtière of Quebec, savoury pies have woven themselves into the tapestry of food traditions.
However, it's not just the fillings that define these masterpieces; it's the artistry of the pastry crusts that envelop them. The crusts range from delicate and flaky to robust and rustic, each enhancing the overall experience. The synergy between the fillings and crusts is what makes savoury pies a canvas of culinary creativity, ensuring a satisfying and memorable gastronomic journey.
Classic savoury pies boast an array of timeless fillings that exemplify culinary heritage. Traditional meat fillings, such as succulent steak and kidney or the comforting embrace of chicken and leek, pay homage to generations past, infusing the pies with robust flavours. On the other hand, vegetable-based fillings, like the earthy harmony of mushrooms and spinach or the Mediterranean melody of ratatouille, cater to both vegetarians and those seeking a lighter option.
However, it is within regional variations that these pies truly come alive. From the hearty Cornish pasty in England to the flavoursome empanadas of Latin America, each culture imparts its own unique essence to the pie, often mirroring local ingredients and culinary customs. These variations not only tantalise taste buds but also invite us to explore the diverse narratives that savoury pies whisper from kitchen to kitchen, across borders, and through time.
Mastering the art of crafting the perfect crust is pivotal to elevating savoury pies to sublime culinary creations. Varieties like sturdy shortcrust, buttery puff pastry, and delicate phyllo bring distinct textures and character to your pies. To achieve a flaky, golden crust, several key principles come into play. Keeping ingredients, especially fats, cold throughout the preparation prevents overworking the dough and promotes flakiness. Proper hydration and kneading are essential—just enough to bind, not toughen.
Allowing the prepared dough to rest before rolling it out lets the gluten relax, ensuring tenderness. Brushing the crust with an egg wash lends that coveted golden hue. Baking at the right temperature is vital; a moderately hot oven encourages the layers to puff and turn crisp. With these techniques, the crust becomes a delectable canvas that enhances the filling, promising a delightful contrast of textures and a symphony of flavours in every bite.
Top 10 Savoury Pies That Are A Must-Try
As you can see, there are a wide variety of savoury pies out there, from classic to avant-garde. With so many possibilities, there is sure to be a savoury pie out there that is perfect for everyone.
Classic Fillings
Shepherd's pie: Shepherd's pie is a classic British pie made with ground lamb or beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. The ground meat is typically browned in a skillet before being combined with the vegetables and mashed potatoes. The mixture is then poured into a pie crust and baked until the crust is golden brown.
Chicken pot pie: Chicken pot pie is an American classic made with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky crust. The chicken is typically cooked in a broth or stock with the vegetables before being combined with the sauce. The mixture is then poured into a pie crust and baked until the crust is golden brown.
Tourtière: Tourtière is a French-Canadian pie made with ground meat, potatoes, onions, and spices. The ground meat is typically a mixture of pork, beef, and veal, and the spices can vary depending on the region. The mixture is then cooked in a skillet with the potatoes and onions before being poured into a pie crust and baked until the crust is golden brown.
Minestrone pie: Minestrone pie is an Italian pie made with a minestrone-like filling of vegetables, beans, and pasta. The vegetables are typically cooked in a broth or stock with the beans and pasta before being poured into a pie crust and baked until the crust is golden brown.
Quiche: Quiche is a French tart made with eggs, cheese, and a variety of fillings, such as ham, bacon, vegetables, or seafood. The eggs are typically whisked together with the cheese and fillings before being poured into a pie crust and baked until the eggs are set.
Avant-Garde Fillings
Foie gras pie: Foie gras pie is a rich and decadent pie made with foie gras, a type of liver pâté. Foie gras is made from the livers of geese or ducks that have been force-fed, and it is considered a delicacy. The foie gras is typically spread on a pie crust and baked until golden brown.
Truffle pie: A truffle pie is a luxurious pie made with truffles, a type of edible fungus that is highly prized for its aroma and flavour. Truffles are typically shaved or diced and then added to a pie crust along with other ingredients, such as cheese, cream, or eggs. The pie is then baked until golden brown.
Beef carpaccio pie: Beef carpaccio pie is a savoury pie made with thinly sliced beef carpaccio, a dish of raw beef that is often served with a vinaigrette dressing. The beef carpaccio is typically layered on a pie crust with other ingredients, such as cheese, arugula, or shaved Parmesan. The pie is then baked until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
Sushi pie: Sushi pie is a unique pie made with sushi rice, vegetables, and seafood, all encased in a flaky crust. The sushi rice is typically cooked and then combined with vegetables, seafood, and other ingredients, such as mayonnaise, soy sauce, or wasabi. The mixture is then poured into a pie crust and baked until the crust is golden brown.
Kimchi Pie: This pie is made with kimchi, a Korean fermented cabbage dish. The kimchi is typically seasoned with a variety of spices, and it is then baked in a pie crust.
5 Tips for Assembling and Baking
1. Layering Order: Arrange fillings strategically, placing moisture-rich ingredients above a moisture barrier to prevent a soggy crust.
2. Ventilation: Create steam vents in the crust to allow moisture to escape and prevent a soggy bottom.
3. Egg Wash Seal: Brushing the edges of the bottom crust with egg wash helps seal the pie and prevent leaks during baking.
4. Temperature Control: Preheat the oven adequately and maintain the suggested temperature to ensure even cooking and a crisp crust.
5. Resting Period: Allow the pie to rest after baking; this helps set the fillings and allows flavours to meld before slicing and serving.
Recipe For Shepherd's Pie
Video Credits: Gordon Ramsay/YouTube
Ingredients:
1 pound (450 g) of ground lamb or beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
1 cup of frozen peas
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup of beef or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared beforehand)
1 tablespoon butter
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish and set it aside.
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet or pan, cook the ground lamb or beef over medium heat until browned. Remove excess fat, if any.
Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic to the meat. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Flavour and Bind: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavours.
Add Peas and Broth: Add the frozen peas to the mixture and pour in the beef or vegetable broth. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Assemble: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Mashed Potatoes: Spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the meat mixture. Use a fork to create decorative peaks on the surface. This will help the top get golden and crispy.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Finish: In the last few minutes of baking, you can dot the top of the mashed potatoes with small pieces of butter for extra richness and flavour.
Serve: Once done, remove the Shepherd's Pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Shepherd's Pie as a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion!