Recipe For Steak And Kidney Pie With Shortcrust Pastry
Introduction
Steak and kidney pie is a classic British dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a hearty meal that is perfect for cold winter nights or any time you want something warm and comforting. The dish consists of tender beef and kidney in a rich, savory gravy that is baked inside a flaky, buttery pastry crust. Here is a recipe for steak and kidney pie with shortcrust pastry that will have you licking your plate clean.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 lb beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into small cubes
- 8 oz beef kidney, trimmed and cut into small cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and kidney and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, flour, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is well combined.
4. Gradually stir in the beef stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Return the beef and kidney to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes until the gravy has thickened.
5. Remove the bay leaf from the skillet and transfer the mixture to a 9-inch pie dish.
6. To make the pastry, combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Gradually add the cold water to the flour mixture, stirring until the dough comes together into a ball.
8. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
9. Place the pastry over the pie dish, trimming the edges if necessary. Cut a few slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape.
10. Bake the pie for 40-45 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Steak and kidney pie is best served hot with a side of mashed potatoes and green peas. You can also serve it with a salad or other vegetables of your choice.
Conclusion
This recipe for steak and kidney pie with shortcrust pastry is a classic British dish that is perfect for any occasion. The tender beef and kidney in a rich, savory gravy will have you coming back for more. The flaky, buttery pastry crust is the perfect complement to the hearty filling. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself why steak and kidney pie is a beloved favorite around the world.