British pies have been a staple of the country’s cuisine for centuries, with a rich history and a wide variety of fillings and names. From traditional favorites like steak and kidney pie to more modern creations, British pies are a delicious and comforting food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of British pies, their names, and what makes them so special.
A Brief History of British Pies
Pies have been a part of British cuisine since medieval times, when they were made with a filling of meat, vegetables, and gravy, topped with a pastry crust. The first pies were made with a thick, inedible crust called a “coffin,” which was used to hold the filling in place. The crust was not meant to be eaten, but rather discarded after the filling had been consumed.
Over time, the crust became thinner and more edible, and the fillings became more varied. The Industrial Revolution brought mass production of pies, making them more accessible to the general population. Today, British pies are enjoyed all over the world, and are a staple of British cuisine.
Types of British Pies
There are many different types of British pies, each with its own unique filling and name. Some of the most popular types of British pies include:
Meat Pies
Meat pies are a classic type of British pie, made with a filling of ground meat and topped with a pastry crust. Some popular types of meat pies include:
- Steak and Kidney Pie: A traditional favorite, made with slow-cooked beef and kidney in a rich gravy.
- Chicken and Mushroom Pie: A creamy and flavorful pie, made with chicken, mushrooms, and a hint of thyme.
Fish Pies
Fish pies are a popular type of British pie, made with a filling of fish and topped with a pastry crust. Some popular types of fish pies include:
- Cod and Haddock Pie: A classic fish pie, made with cod and haddock in a creamy sauce.
- Salmon and Prawn Pie: A flavorful and colorful pie, made with salmon, prawns, and a hint of lemon.
Vegetarian Pies
Vegetarian pies are a great option for those who don’t eat meat, and are made with a filling of vegetables and topped with a pastry crust. Some popular types of vegetarian pies include:
- Mushroom and Spinach Pie: A flavorful and healthy pie, made with mushrooms, spinach, and a hint of garlic.
- Butternut Squash and Sage Pie: A sweet and savory pie, made with butternut squash, sage, and a hint of nutmeg.
Regional Variations of British Pies
British pies can vary greatly depending on the region in which they are made. Different regions have their own unique fillings and names, and some pies are specific to certain areas. Here are a few examples of regional variations of British pies:
Northern Pies
The north of England is famous for its pies, particularly in the city of Manchester. Some popular types of northern pies include:
- Lancashire Hotpot Pie: A hearty and comforting pie, made with lamb, onions, and potatoes.
- Manchester Meat Pie: A classic meat pie, made with ground beef and topped with a puff pastry crust.
Southern Pies
The south of England is known for its seafood pies, particularly in the coastal towns of Cornwall and Devon. Some popular types of southern pies include:
- Cornish Fish Pie: A flavorful and colorful pie, made with cod, haddock, and prawns.
- Devon Cream Pie: A rich and creamy pie, made with chicken, mushrooms, and a hint of thyme.
How to Make a British Pie
Making a British pie is a relatively simple process, requiring just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills. Here’s a recipe for a classic steak and kidney pie:
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef steak, cut into small pieces
- 1 kidney, cut into small pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the beef and kidney to the pan and cook until the meat is browned.
- Add the beef broth, tomato paste, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Roll out the pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Fill the pie crust with the meat mixture and cover with another pie crust.
- Bake the pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Conclusion
British pies are a delicious and comforting food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a rich history and a wide variety of fillings and names, there’s a British pie to suit every taste. Whether you’re a fan of traditional favorites like steak and kidney pie, or more modern creations, British pies are a great way to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal. So next time you’re in the mood for something comforting and delicious, why not try making a British pie?
What is a traditional British pie?
A traditional British pie is a dish made with a pastry crust and filled with a variety of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and gravy. The pastry crust is typically made with flour, butter, and water, and is often topped with a decorative crust or a puff pastry lid. The fillings can vary greatly depending on the region and personal preferences, but common ingredients include beef, chicken, lamb, and vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and peas.
British pies have a long history and have been a staple of British cuisine for centuries. They were originally made as a convenient and filling meal for working-class people, but over time they have become a popular dish throughout the country. Today, British pies can be found in pubs, restaurants, and homes across the UK, and are often served at special occasions such as weddings and holidays.
What are the different types of British pies?
There are many different types of British pies, each with its own unique filling and characteristics. Some popular types of pies include the steak and kidney pie, the chicken and mushroom pie, and the fish pie. There are also many regional specialties, such as the Cornish pasty from Cornwall and the bridie from Scotland. Additionally, there are many sweet pies, such as the apple pie and the cherry pie, which are often served as desserts.
Each type of pie has its own unique flavor and texture, and the fillings can vary greatly depending on the region and personal preferences. Some pies are made with a hot water crust pastry, while others are made with a puff pastry or shortcrust pastry. The fillings can also vary greatly, from traditional ingredients such as beef and vegetables to more modern ingredients such as chicken and curry sauce.
What is the difference between a pie and a tart?
A pie and a tart are both baked dishes made with a pastry crust, but they differ in terms of their shape and filling. A pie is typically made with a pastry crust that covers the filling completely, while a tart is made with a pastry crust that only covers the bottom and sides of the dish. Tarts are often filled with sweet ingredients such as fruit or cream, while pies can be filled with a variety of sweet and savory ingredients.
The pastry crust of a pie is often thicker and more robust than that of a tart, and is designed to hold its shape and support the filling. The pastry crust of a tart, on the other hand, is often thinner and more delicate, and is designed to provide a crunchy texture and a flavorful base for the filling. While both pies and tarts are popular in British cuisine, pies are generally more common and are often served as a main course or side dish.
What is a pasty?
A pasty is a type of savory pastry that originated in Cornwall, a region in the southwest of England. It is made with a pastry crust that is filled with a variety of ingredients such as beef, potatoes, and vegetables. The pastry crust is typically made with a hot water crust pastry, and is designed to be robust and easy to eat on the go.
Pies and pasties are often confused with each other, but they are actually quite different. While both are made with a pastry crust and filled with savory ingredients, pasties are typically made with a thicker and more robust pastry crust, and are designed to be eaten as a snack or light meal. Pies, on the other hand, are often made with a thinner pastry crust and are designed to be served as a main course or side dish.
What is a bridie?
A bridie is a type of savory pastry that originated in Scotland. It is made with a pastry crust that is filled with a variety of ingredients such as beef, lamb, and vegetables. The pastry crust is typically made with a puff pastry or shortcrust pastry, and is designed to be flaky and flavorful.
Bridies are often served as a main course or side dish, and are typically made with a filling that is similar to a pie. However, unlike pies, bridies are often made with a pastry crust that is only partially covered, and are designed to be served with a side of vegetables or salad. Bridies are a popular dish in Scotland, and are often served at special occasions such as weddings and holidays.
Can I make British pies at home?
Yes, you can make British pies at home. While they may seem like a complex and intimidating dish, British pies are actually quite easy to make. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to follow a simple recipe. You can make the pastry crust from scratch, or use a pre-made crust from the store.
To make a British pie at home, start by making the filling. This can be as simple as browning some meat and vegetables in a pan, or as complex as making a rich and flavorful gravy. Once the filling is made, roll out the pastry crust and place it in a pie dish. Fill the pie crust with the filling, and top with another piece of pastry crust or a puff pastry lid. Bake the pie in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
What are some popular British pie fillings?
There are many popular British pie fillings, including beef and vegetable, chicken and mushroom, and fish and seafood. Some pies are also made with sweet fillings, such as apple or cherry. The fillings can vary greatly depending on the region and personal preferences, but common ingredients include beef, chicken, lamb, and vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and peas.
Some popular pie fillings include the classic steak and kidney pie, which is made with slow-cooked beef and kidney in a rich gravy. Another popular filling is the chicken and mushroom pie, which is made with sautéed chicken and mushrooms in a creamy sauce. Fish pies are also popular, and are often made with cod or haddock in a flavorful broth.