Easy Steak And Ale Pie With Puff Pastry
Introduction
Steak and ale pie is a classic British dish that is perfect for colder weather. With its flaky puff pastry crust and hearty filling, it is a comfort food that is sure to satisfy. While it may seem intimidating to make, this recipe breaks it down into simple steps that anyone can follow. So, grab your apron and let's get cooking!
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 onions, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 1 cup of ale
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the pastry:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent.
4. Add the carrots and celery, and sauté for a few more minutes.
5. Add the beef chunks and brown on all sides.
6. Pour in the ale, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2 hours.
8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
9. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
10. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface until it is slightly larger than the pie dish.
11. Place the pastry over the top of the pie dish, pressing the edges down to seal.
12. Brush the beaten egg over the top of the pastry.
13. Cut a few slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape.
14. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
15. Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are some variations you can try to switch things up:
- Swap the beef for lamb for a twist on traditional shepherd's pie.
- Add mushrooms or peas to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use a different type of ale or beer to experiment with different flavors.
Conclusion
Steak and ale pie is a classic dish that is easy to make and perfect for colder weather. With its hearty filling and flaky puff pastry crust, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Britain in your own home!